Temple Isaiah’s Community-Supported Agriculture program is about to begin its second season with McGrath Family Farms in Camarillo (www.mcgrathfamilyfarm.com), and it’s open for new members. We hope you’ll consider joining.

Our CSA offers the chance to get organic, delicious produce every week, picked for what’s at the peak of its season and delivered to Isaiah for members to pick up. It’s also a chance to forge a direct relationship with a local family farm, and to support careful agriculture that attends to the food, the land and the people who work it.  A CSA is a perfect way to contribute to a more sustainable Jewish food community – doing good by eating well. In fact, our CSA is part of a national network of synagogue- and Jewish community center-connected CSAs.

    
What does it mean to join a CSA? Members buy a share in the season’s harvest. In return, you’ll get a weekly box of seven to 10 varieties of just-picked, produce (herbs and flowers, too). And this season McGrath Family Farms is trying something new: Because many families have asked for more fruit, the farm will partner with other growers to include fruit in the boxes.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Members pay $520 for the season, which runs March 23 to June 15. In return, they get a bushel box of fruits and vegetables every Tuesday. The box comes with a list of what’s inside.

Members pick up their boxes in the temple garage every Tuesday. Exact pickup times are not set, but last season pickup ran from afternoon into evening. Each member is asked to volunteer one shift during pickup over the course of the season.

WORRIED IT’S TOO MUCH FOOD?
Members can share boxes. You can share each week with a friend or a neighbor, or you can alternate weeks with your share partner. If you don’t know someone to share with, we are happy to help you find a partner.

WANT MORE? Upcoming Events:

We’re planning a CSA potluck Shabbat on April 30, and two cooking classes – dates to be set soon. We also provide recipes most weeks, and we hope to add other programs.  (And yes, we’d love your help in the planning if you’re willing.)

 QUESTIONS? Eager to join the core committee for the CSA? Call Mary MacVean (323-934-1558).