Pittsburgh CSA Programs to Sign Up For Now
by Emily Catalano
If you’ve ever considered joining a Community Support Agriculture (CSA) program, now’s the time. Not only do our local farms need more support than ever, but getting a weekly box of fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables is the best way to ensure that you’re doing your part to lower your carbon footprint - and eat seasonally, too.
In Pennsylvania, we’re lucky enough to have over 55,000 operating farms across the state. Many of the farms in the Pittsburgh area provide different CSA options for residents, available for both pickup and delivery. At Good Food Pittsburgh, we’ve rounded up some of the best local CSA programs that are still available for this year. Most programs start in the next month, and many run through the fall.
Blackberry Meadows Organic Farm
Blackberry Meadows Farm in Natrona specializes in rare and endangered seeds. The farmers are constantly adapting production systems and establishing better microbial habitat in order to give the plants everything they need to maximize nutrition. It is one of the oldest CSAs in the area, and the owners meet their customers every week, and invite them to come work on the farm or join them for Thanksgiving dinner. Workshare options are available. Produce is seasonal.
- The weekly CSA runs from June through October.
- Pickup at the farm or Phipps Conservatory
Membership options can be viewed online, and range from $350 to $675.
Kretschmann Family Organic Farm
Get organic produce every week from another one of the oldest Pittsburgh CSA programs in the area. Members enjoy seasonal produce from cabbage and broccoli to herbs and rhubarb from the Rochester farm, and are welcome to rank their favored and disfavored veggies. Coffee, mushroom, cheese, and meat subscriptions are also available.
- The weekly CSA runs from June 2 through November 20 (25 weeks).
- Over 50 pickup locations are available, including in Shadyside, Lawrenceville, Beaver, Squirrel Hill and Dormont.
Membership options can be viewed online, and range from $500 a season to $750.
Ugly CSA from 412 Food Rescue
Just because produce isn’t beautiful doesn’t mean it’s not tasty! 412 Food Rescue takes ‘Ugly Produce’ (produce that is perfectly good to eat, but not aesthetically pleasing) and sends it out in their CSA shares for 12 weeks from July through September. Each box contains approximately 15 lbs. of various produce items, plus specialty items, from Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance’s local farms.
- The CSA spans 12 weeks
- There are seven pick-up locations available, including East Liberty, South Hills, North Side and Lawrenceville
- Membership can be reserved online, and the price is $240 for the season
- SNAP/EBT payments can also be made.
Brenckle’s Farm
Brenckle’s Farm in Zelienople has been providing Beaver Valley with fresh produce and flowers since 1949. Brenckle’s grows a variety of organic produce, including onions, kale, radishes, beet greens, Swiss chard, arugula, Brussels sprouts, watermelon, and more.
- There are weekly and bi-weekly options available from June 12 through November 13.
- Brenckle's Farm offers seven pickup locations in the North Hills, and a $25 discount for farm pickup.
Membership options can be viewed online, and range from $26 a week to $32 a week.
Dillner Family Farm
Dillner Family Farm grows a variety of seasonal crops, like eggplant, tomatoes, pepper, and cabbage. Their program has an egg subscription add on, and an option for specials, where members can add extras to their order. Examples of these extras include Amish pies, breads, flower bouquets, cheeses, goat milk soap and lotions, Dillner Family Farm honey, maple syrup, fall decorations and more.
- There are weekly and bi-weekly options available from May through October.
- Over 30 pickup locations are available, including Bridgeville, Gibsonia, Swissvale, Regent Square and Allison Park.
Membership options can be viewed online, and range from $345 to $612.
Edible Earth Farms
Edible Earth Farms in Tionesta was founded in 2010 by April Parker, and is now run by Parker and her husband, Johnny. The Parkers are dedicated to producing high-quality, organic food. CSA members can enjoy fresh produce every week, including radishes, zucchini, potatoes, and corn.
- The CSA runs weekly from June through October (20 weeks).
- Over 25 pickup locations are available, including Mt. Lebanon, Mt. Washington, Wexford, Millvale and Green Tree.
Membership options can be viewed online, and range from $446 to $631.
Harvest Valley Farms
Harvest Valley Farm began as a poultry and vegetable farm in the 1950s, and transferred into only vegetable production in the 1980s. Members can enjoy produce such as corn, tomatoes, green beans, and Pennsylvania-exclusive Simply Sweet Onions their subscription. The farm also offers a cheese subscription, and meat add-ons.
- There are weekly and bi-weekly options available from June through November (23 weeks).
- Pickup is available at the farm in Valencia or at R.A.W. Training in Gibsonia, where pickup is structured like a farmer's market.
Membership options can be viewed online, and range from $285 to $610.
Who Cooks for You Farm
Enjoy fresh and unique produce every week through Who Cooks for You’s Market CSA program. Basil, beets, escarole, cilantro, and chard are just some examples of fresh-grown fruits, vegetables and herbs that members can choose at select Farmers Markets from May 11 through November 25.
- Market shopping is available at the Bloomfield Market on Saturdays, the Squirrel Hill Citi Parks Market on Sundays, and the East Liberty Citi Parks Market on Mondays.
- Market CSA cards are available from $111 to $722
- Market CSA members receive 10% off all sales at markets
Cherry Valley Organics
Cherry Valley Organics offers a unique Farm Share CSA program where each box is customized with the fruits and vegetables that customers select as their favorites. Members can choose from products such as vegetables, herbs, flowers, potted plants, herbal teas, and herbal bath & body products.
- The CSA program runs for 22 weeks
- There are multiple pickup locations available, including Squirrel Hill, Upper St. Clair, Crafton, Castle Shannon, Beaver Falls, Lawrenceville and Mt. Lebanon.
Membership options can be viewed online. Subscribers pay $30 a week.
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