West Ward Farm Share Program Promises Weekly Fresh Produce

Clear Spring Farm and the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership (WWNP) are collaborating through the "Buy Fresh, Buy Local" program to bring a low-cost farm share program to the City of Easton. The program will run from May 29 through September 25.

The program, in which participants pledge a weekly payment in exchange for a "share" of the farm's produce, will offer a variety of in-season fresh vegetables every week. The list is likely to include: lettuce, cabbage, onions, parsley, green beans, yellow beans, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, squash, sweet corn, beets, and broccoli over the course of the program.

Members do not choose their produce--the bounty will include a selection of what Clear Spring Farm has produced that week. Pick-up is every Wednesday between 6 and 7 p.m. at the First Moravian Church of Easton, 225 North Tenth St.

Both full and half-shares will be offered. A full share is designed to meet the weekly  needs of four people, and a half-share will feed two.

Members will generally receive about seven different vegetables each week, equivalent to one grocery bag of produce for a half share, and two grocery bags for a whole share.  Variety and quantity may vary.

Clear Spring Farm, located just north of the city on Richard Garr Road in Forks Township, is a "limited use" farm, which mean they avoid the use of chemicals where possible.

A full share costs $25 per week, and a half-share is $15 per week. Members must pay for their produce at the time of pick up. Payments must be made in cash, though SNAP will also be accepted for weekly payments.

Members are required to pay a two-week cash deposit to join--$50 for a full share or $30 for a  half share.  Deposits to become a farm share program member must be made in cash, and the deposit can be used to pay for the last two weeks of produce, or it may be returned at the end of the season. (SNAP will not be accepted for deposits.)

Shares that are not retrieved within the pickup time will be donated to a charity, food pantry, or the drop site host. The cost of the share will be deducted from the deposit. Those who miss two weeks will lose their place in the program. Those that cannot pick up their share on a given week may send someone else to do it for them, the announcement said.

A minimum of 10 shares need to be sold to offer the program in the city. Additionally, the program is limited to a maximum of 30 shares.

For more information or to sign up, contact the West Ward neighborhood Partnership at 610-515-0891 ext. 4200.

For more about Clear Spring Farm, visit their website at www.clearspringfarm.net