Woodbridge CSA Provides Local Organic Produce Weekly

If you’re a lover of fresh organic produce, but don’t want to purchase organic at a local supermarket, the Woodbridge branch of CSA offers pre-boxed produce straight from the farm for pick-up every Thursday.

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, something former Sewaren resident, now Colonia resident Carolyn Meeker loved the concept of so much that she wanted to bring it back to Woodbridge residents after launching it last year.

Check out: Love Fresh Organic Produce? The Woodbridge CSA is for you!

The CSA program runs from May 9 through Thanksgiving week, offering both vegetables and fruit directly from the farmer. This year’s farm is Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ.

“The produce is pre-boxed and harvested that day for peak freshness,” according to Meeker.

There are three options for memberships including: Full Share at $1,290(ideal for family), Half Share at $720(ideal for couples) and Personal Share at $620(ideal for beginners).

"I know it sounds expensive, but when you look at a 20 week growing season, that works out to $32.50 a week for a family of four," Meeker told Patch during last year’s CSA season.

She added that she would easily spend $40 just for produce at Wegmans to feed her family of four. "And that isn't buying organic. I tend not to in a supermarket, because it's usually more expensive," she said.

To sign up, visit alstedefarmstore.com/nj-farm-harvest-csa-share and choose Woodbridge. Pick-up will be set up each Thursday near Colonia High School.

Although the listed deadline to become a member is April 30, applications will be accepted after May 1 at an increased fee.

For more information on Woodbridge CSA, contact Carolyn Meeker at woodbridgecsa@gmail.com or 201-738-6094. Also, more on CSA is available on Meeker’s blog, woodbridgecsa.blogspot.com.