
A look-see at the range of produce in a Serendipity Farm CSA delivery. Photo by Jamie Collins.
Community-supported agriculture subscriptions let you pay for all your fruits and vegetables in one chunk, ahead of time—while also doing your favorite farmer the favor of helping him or her plan for the season. In most cases, CSAs deliver boxes overflowing with produce—eight to 13 types of fruits, veggies and herbs is the typical range for a standard box, and they tend to feed households of two to four—to predetermined locations. Pick up your veggies on the way home from work on Tuesday, for example, check out the recipes that most of these farmers thoughtfully include in the box, and you're ready to cook some exquisite local produce that was probaby picked that very morning. The CSAs listed here are organic or otherwise sustainable. Also, word to the wise: now's the time to jump in on a CSA, as they do fill up.
Open registration
Everett Family Farm
A 22-week subscription starts in June and runs through October, offering fruits and veggies for two to four people. Add flowers for $6/week and fresh eggs for $7/week.
Special treat: This is a really charismatic piece of property on Old San Jose Road—big fun to visit.
Pickup locations at the Soquel farm or at the River Café in Santa Cruz.
Cost breakdown: $25 per week
Learn more here.
Fogline Farm
The 23-week subscription, which starts May 15, includes fabulous fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as a protein source from the farm’s pastured chickens and pigs. Rotates between a whole broiler chicken, a dozen eggs and sausage or bacon.
Special treat: Meat raised the way God intended.
Pickup is on Westside, Eastside and Midtown Santa Cruz, as well as Soquel.
Cost breakdown: $35 per week
Learn more here.
Freewheelin’ Farm
The 25-week subscription from this charming farm just north of town starts in mid-May and offers eight to 10 fruit-veggie-herb items per week.
Special treat: Peaches!
Pickup locations on the Westside, Eastside and midtown Santa Cruz. Delivery by bicycle is available at additional cost.
Cost breakdown: $24-$29 per week
Learn more here.
Homeless Garden Project
Subscription starts May 25 and ends Oct. 26 and offers fresh vegetables, herbs, strawberries and flowers (including the edible variety)!
Special treat: Some of the very best strawberries grown in the county. For reals.
Pickup is at the Natural Bridges farm, with a cost-saving U-Pick option.
Cost breakdown: $28 for pickup or $18 for U-Pick
Learn more here.
Lindencroft Farm
The tiny Ben Lomond farm that is a favorite supplier of local chefs offers subscriptions by the month and goes year-round. You can get a dozen happy eggs for an additional $4.75.
Special treat: Southwest-style fire-roasted peppers!
Pickup: At the farm gate in Ben Lomond or in Capitola
Cost breakdown: $30 per week
Learn more here.
Live Earth Farm
Subscription runs 33 weeks starting in early April and ends in November (pro-rated if you miss the start date). It includes all the freshest fruits, veggies and herbs from the Watsonville farm, with options to get a dozen pastured eggs ($7.25), loaf of Companion bakery bread ($6.25) or extra fruit ($15) each week.
Special treat: Concord grapes
Pickup spots from Aptos to Ben Lomond.
Cost breakdown: $23-$34.50 per week depending on size of box.
Learn more here.
Route 1 Farms
The 28-week subscription from one of Santa Cruz’s first organic operations runs June 5–Dec. 11 and features—in addition to fruits, veggies and herbs—free seasonal add-ins like Brussel sprouts and artichokes from Rodoni Farm, honey from Groundswell Farm and sauerkraut from Farmhouse Culture. Paid add-ins include extra bulk items like apples or berries, when in season.
Special treat: Sauerkraut, honey and other weekly surprises.
Seven pickup locations from Aptos to Boulder Creek.
Cost breakdown: $15-$25 per week
Learn more here.
Serendipity Farm
Carmel Valley and Carmel farm property produce large variety of produce for a flexible subscription of every week (30 weeks), every other week (15 weeks) or a commitmentphobe’s option (12 weeks).
Special treat: Outstanding heirloom tomatoes
Pickup locations throughout Monterey County
Cost breakdown: $25 per week
Learn more here.
Shumei Santa Cruz Farm
Intriguing Japanese “natural farming” philosophy manifested at an equally intriguing Bonny Doon property. Offers 8-10 veggies in the summer, less variety in winter. Seems to be on a rolling, month-by-month basis.
Special treat: An excuse to drive to Bonny Doon. Also, monthly payment option.
Pickup is at the farm in Bonny Doon. Shipping to your home is also available for additional cost.
Cost breakdown: $13 per week, $6.50 for half box
Learn more here.
Tierra Madre
Farmland on Jarvis Road and Green Valley Road produces 600 rare and heirloom veggie and fruit varieties that form the basis for the 23-week subscription.
Special treat: beans and corn flour
Pickup: please inquire
Cost breakdown: $30 per week ($26 for low-income)
Learn more here.
UCSC Farm & Garden
The 22-week subscription starts June 5 and ends Oct. 30, with an option to jump in on Aug. 21 for half a subscription. Includes newsletter with recipes. Food stamps accepted.
Special treat: sweet corn and blueberries!
Pickup is at the UCSC Farm and Garden.
Cost breakdown: $25 per week, with a few limited income shares available (please inquire). SNAP benefits accepted. Payment plan available.
Learn more here.
Not Necessarily Open for Subscription But Worth Checking
Camp Joy
Nineteen-week subscription caters to residents of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with pickups at the Boulder Creek Farm.
Special treat: They have goats!
Pickup is at the farm in Boulder Creek.
Cost breakdown: $31.50 per week
Learn more here.
Did we miss one? Let us know at thukill@santacruzweekly.com