Local Food for Your Family: 5 Great CSAs on Long Island

5/22/11 - By Melanie

Not yet honey.” My grandmothers voice made waiting seem easy. “Now honey, let me show you what squash should look like when it’s ready to picked”. She took my hand and led me to a bright, plump, yellow squash. I’ll never forget the sense of community and belonging I felt helping my grandmother in the garden. Helping to create a sense of community, belonging, family and partnership is also the goal of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm. CSA farms are totally or partially backed my members who pay in advance for an allocation of weekly fresh produce. Some CSA farms have farmers or experienced agriculturalists who grow and harvest the produce for members, and some farms invite members to take part in the process so that they can help to plant, harvest and grow the produce themselves. Long Island is home to some of the nation's finest CSA farms, and we've gathered some great ones here for you to check out.

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Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market
Pick Up Location: Sid Jacobson JCC
Sid Jacobson JCC
300 Forest Drive
East Hills
516-484-1545
Garden of Eve Organic Farm and Market is a run by farmers who just happen to be married! They are passionate about life and passionate about providing fresh, organic food to the world. Garden of Eve offers a CSA located on the north shore of Long Island. Shares at this CSA are 24 weeks with the exception of flower shares in October. A full harvest vegetable share is offered from June through Thanksgiving. Included in the share are 7-9 items of fresh produce. A link for the harvest chart is provided on the website for a more detailed list of vegetables to choose from. Other shares available are fruit, egg and flower shares. Also, they offer packages that allow members to have different combinations of their share options. Fresh greens, squash, corn, melons cabbage, potatoes and so much more are just some of the items grown at this wonderful CSA.


Hamlet Organic Garden
320 Beaver Dam Road
Brookhaven
631-286-7068
Hamlet Organic Garden (affectionately known as HOG) is a CSA located in the Brookhaven hamlet. They have been established since 1996 on a 5 acre farm field. The Hamlet Organic Garden encourages members to have a direct “hand” in the growing of plants that are harvested. Members can work 15 hours in the busier months of April through August or work several of the regular work days. Gardening, harvesting and planting are important and even fun activities that can teach children about our earth, and the food they eat. The HOG recognizes that and invites young children to come along with their families. A share here supplies between 5 and 18 pounds of produce from May until October. Lettuce, broccoli, herbs, tomatoes and melons are just some of the tasty produce you will be able to indulge in as members. Shares also include, but are not limited to, a weekly farmer report with tips and tasty recipes, access to the beautiful fields of HOG for walks and picnics, educational programs and more.  


Quail Hill Farm

296 Hampton Road
Southhampton
631-283-3195
Quail Hill Farm is one of the first CSAs established in the United States. This historic piece of land is in Amagansett. With over 30 acres, Quail Hill proudly supplies 200 families, a local school, a restaurant and a food pantry with fresh quality produce. Quail Hill offers an apprentice program that teaches with a hands on approach. The program instructs individuals who want to learn more about farming and gardening through educational programs. Farm Shares are provided as well. Quail Hill offers shares for families and also offers a single person's share. Be sure to call as there sometimes can be a waiting list.


Hawthorne Valley Farm
Pick up location: Waldorf School in Garden City
Waldorf School in Garden City
225 Cambridge Avenue
Garden City Contact: Monica Pavlidis 516-742-1174
Hawthorne Valley Farm begins it’s 6th season as a CSA this year. This farm boasts over 40 types of fruits and vegetables along with an additional option to become a part of a fruit share with the collaboration of three local farms. As a member of this CSA, you will receive a share of the weekly garden harvest of Hawthorne Valley Farm. To provide the most options and ensure excellence in quality, Hawthorne Valley works with numerous farmers, agriculturalists and experienced growers. A core group is provided for members with monthly meetings with the Farm and events. An educational, enriching and engaging experience is what Hawthorne Valley Farm believes CSAs should be about.


Golden Earthworm Organic Farm

652 Peconic Bay Boulevard
Jamesport, NY
631-722-3302
*Several pick-up locations throughout Long Island; be sure to check website for days, times and locations
*This CSA is currently sold out, but because of its popularity and how fast the slots for shares go, I feel it’s worth mentioning to prepare early for next year.
In 1996, chef Matthew Kurek put down the pots and pans and followed his passion by starting a Certified Organic CSA on the East End of Long Island. The land is protected by a land preservation program on Long island’s North Fork. With over 80 acres of land and over 26 weeks of vegetables, Golden Earthworm Organic Farm offers variety and quality in quantity in each local delivery. An extensive list of the vegetables harvested is provided on the website. There is also the option of a Fruit Share grown by neighboring farm, Briermere. Be sure to check out the website for delicious recipes and gardening tips!