Become a member of our CSA.
***2010***
To become a shareholder in the Thornapple CSA for the 2010 season, please download, fill out and return this contract with your first payment. Membership is on a first come basis, and submission of this application does not guarantee membership.
Members may choose to divide the cost, work, and produce between 2 or more households by members themselves. Members who are dividing their shares are all responsible for the entire $650 share price and 4 hours per month sweat equity.
Also, this year Thornapple CSA will offer an option without sweat equity at $890 per share. See the contract for details.
Veggie Distribution
Members receive a weekly share of vegetables for 24 weeks, from May 19 through October 27. Distribution is each Wednesday at the Allen St market between 3 pm and 6:30 pm.
Sweat Equity with Thornapple CSA
Thornapple CSA relies on the sweat equity of our members. Members contribute 4 hours to the farm each month, or 24 hours per season. There are tasks that accommodate most levels of physical ability, both on the farm and at the distribution point at Allen Street Farmers Market. Most of the work of the CSA takes place at the farm, and at least half of members’ sweat equity should be basic farm labor.
For those unable to provide sweat equity, there is a share option without it. See the contract for details.
On-Farm Work
Regular workdays are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. We encourage carpooling and will help make arrangements as the season approaches. Other work times are at the discretion of the volunteer coordinator and farm manager.
Farm tasks vary significantly depending on the time of year and specific weather conditions. Always remember we’re working with nature here. Members may be asked to perform duties not on this list. We always will do our best to accommodate people with physical restrictions.
Some of the duties required at the farm:
- Weeding
- Planting
- Harvesting
- Bug picking
- Watering
- Cleaning up beds
- Hoeing
- Mulching
A typical week’s schedule might look like this:
Tuesdays
- Harvesting
- Cleaning and preparing harvested foods
- Packing and storing veggies
Wednesdays
- Harvesting
- Cleaning and preparing harvested foods
- Loading CSA shares into Van
Saturdays
- Picking bugs
- Mulching
- Watering
- Weeding
- Spreading Compost
- Transplanting/seeding
Off-Farm Work
Remember: Most of the work of the CSA takes place at the farm, and at least half of members’ sweat equity must be basic farm labor at the farm.
Allen Street Market
Distribution at the CSA table Wednesdays from 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm (4 hours)
- Set up CSA table
- Unload veggies
- Help members pick up correct amount of veggies
- Tear down CSA table
Other Off-Farm Work
- Recipe gathering
- Administrative, communications, graphic design, etc.
Sweat Equity Policies
Safety is first priority.
- Bring Sunscreen and wear protective clothing
- Bring water and snacks
- Bring gloves (when working at the farm)
- Know location of First Aid Kit (when working at the farm)
Sanitation is next to Sainthood
- Wash hands after using the restroom or working with animal manure
Note on Sharing Shares
Members who are splitting shares will be responsible for dividing sweat equity hours as well as the shares of produce.