Walpole, NH (March 10, 2023) – The Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) is excited to share a new opportunity for SNAP/EBT users. This new program makes community supported agriculture (CSA) farm shares more accessible to community members utilizing SNAP/EBT dollars for essentially zero cost!
CSA programs are an opportunity for community members to enjoy farm fresh produce, while supporting local agriculture
What is a CSA?
Farmers face many costs in the operation of their farms. Community Supported Agriculture programs, or CSA's are designed to alleviate the financial burdens of farmers before the season begins. CSA customers provide an upfront cost to reserve a share of the season's harvest.
The cost of the CSA can be viewed as a deposit for the season! This upfront cost allows farmers to purchase needed seeds, materials, or equipment for the upcoming season, while customers are able to reap this investment by taking home delicious produce once the farm season begins!
Many farm's offer half share or full share CSA options. These options vary from farm to farm, but half shares are smaller to feed smaller households, while full shares are designed to feed larger household or households that eat a lot of vegetables.
Some farm's offer on-farm pick up days, while others offer delivery! Some farm's pre-package their CSA shares for a quick pick up, while others allow customers to pick your own (PYO!). Pick up days provide a unique experience to see where your food is grown, and interact with other community members! While delivery offers a convenient way to bring produce to your household!
Through purchasing a CSA, you are supporting local agriculture, while also eating delicious, nutritious, and locally grown produce!
How Does it Work?
-
Notify CCCD to express interest in the program by emailing info@cheshireconservation.org and share which farm you would like to purchase a farm share from and which size share you would like
- On Wednesday, March 22nd from 12-7PM, swipe your EBT card with CCCD staff at the Monadnock Food Co-op Meeting Room in Keene, NH
- Customers are responsible for paying 25% of the cost of their desired farm share
- Upon swiping for the 25% of the cost, customers will receive the 25% back in tokens, which can be used at the Farmers' Market of Keene this season (tokens never expire).
- This means you receive a CSA essentially free of charge!
Example of how it works:
For a $400 CSA share, you swipe $100 from your EBT card. You receive $100 in tokens to be used at the Farmers Market of Keene and you secure a fully funded CSA share for the 2023 season.
We are excited to offer a limited number of shares at the following farms:
- Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
- Dog Days Farm, Fitzwilliam, NH
- Hillside Springs Farm, Westmoreland, NH (shares are sold out, but this opportunity is available for customers who have purchased a share)
The SNAP Farm Share Program is made possible from the support of The New Hampshire Food Bank.
The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Our goal is to encourage the stewardship of healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds, and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole NH where we work alongside the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners. For more information, contact the Conservation District at 603-756-2988 ext.4.
###
