May 12th Solar Economic Development Conference in Parkchester - Save the Date!

SAVE THE DATE!

Center for Sustainable Energy, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, The Bronx Borough President’s Office, The Office Congressman José E. Serrano, Innovative Energy Solutions, Institute for Multicultural Communications, Cooperation and Development (IF.MC.CA.DI), Sustainable South Bronx, and St. Paul’s Church

present:

First Annual Bronx Solar Economic

Development Conference

St. Paul’s Church-1891 McGraw Ave

Bronx NY 10462

(718) 822-4535

Saturday, May 12

8:30am to 1pm

Free Admission!

In an effort to introduce solar energy to the Bronx, the First annual Bronx Solar Economic

Development Conference will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Expected speakers

and guests will include: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Bronx Overall Economic

Development Corporation (BOEDC), solar companies business and home owners, solar

industry experts, and others. St. Paul will unveil its community centered solar energy pilot

program for Parkchester.

FAQ Part III: Money matters

Note: This is the third part of our Parkchester CSA FAQ. For Part 1 (CSA basics), click here. For Part 2 (Farm info, vegetables, and share info), click here.

Part III: Money Matters
What is the cost breakdown weekly of the share?
When the amount due by the end of May is divided by the amount of weeks in the season, the weekly breakdown comes out to less than 19 dollars a week.
How do I make a payment?
Please send checks made out to W. Rogowski Farm or money orders to
Parkchester CSA
Parkchester Station
P.O. Box 799
Bronx, NY 10462
How do I get more information about financial assistance?  How much is offered?
We offer financial assistance on a case-by-case basis. Please e-mail us at parkchestercsa@gmail.com and we will work with you!
Do you accept food stamps?
Unfortunately, we currently do not accept food stamps.

I’m not able to participate this season, but would like to give a donation.
An internet space for making donations to Parkchester CSA is currently being explored. Until then, donations can be sent to the address above.

Parkchester CSA FAQ: Part II (Farm information, vegetables, and share info)

Note: This is Part II in a series of FAQ's about the Parkchester CSA, for the previous section on the basics the CSA, please click here.

Part II: Farm info, vegetables, and share info

Where is the farm the vegetables are coming from?
Our CSA farm is the W. Rogowski Farm, which is located in Pine Island, NY, an area of Upstate NY known for its black dirt, a rich soil that was once the bed of a prehistoric lake. The soil is rich in nutrients and thus the area has produced delicious vegetables for many centuries. The farm is open for visitors; you can visit their website (www.rogowskifarm.com) for directions! 

Just how many vegetables will I receive week to week?
You will receive 7-10 different kinds of vegetables typically, although this varies depending on weather conditions.


How big is one share?
A share will easily feed a family of 4, or 2 people who cook at home regularly and eat a lot of veggies.  A half-share is a good size for one person or for two people who don’t cook at home every night.


I know the amount of vegetables will be too much for my household every week.  Can you help me find someone to split the share?
We can certainly help people find “share-buddies”! Please reach out by email (parkchestercsa@gmail.com) and we will work with you.


What happens if I am away or can’t get to the church to pick up my share?
A friend or neighbor you’ve authorized to pick up your share can do so.

Is fruit offered in this CSA?
Fruit will not be offered during the 2012 season, but it is a possibility for 2013.


What do I do with all these vegetables?
We can put you in touch with resources on how to make the most of your CSA share.  We are planning to do a workshop early in the summer to share some tips on how to store vegetables.


What are some online resources to help me cook and learn about nutrition?
http://www.WHfoods.com: for in-depth information about the nutritional profile of many foods
The old CSA blog (http://turfnews.blogspot.com)’s archives contain many many recipes using the specific vegetables that are usually received by CSA members.
Mariquita CSA (California) has a blog with recipes listed by vegetable: http://www.mariquita.com/recipes/index.html


What if there is a drought or flooding and the farm can’t produce the quantity or quality of vegetables the farm normally produces?
CSA members share the same risks that the farmer does with her crop.  The Rogowski Farm is a second-generation, family operated farm with lots of experience.

Parkchester CSA FAQ Part I: What is a CSA? How does it work?

This is the first post in a series of FAQ's about our organization. The first part concerns what a CSA is and how it works.

Part I: What is a CSA? How does it work?
Is a CSA like a food coop?
No, although it is kind of like a buying club.  The big difference is that in Community Supported Agriculture, there is a partnership between CSA members and the farmer. CSA members make their payment to the farmer for the season up front, so that the farmer can use the money for seed, equipment, repairs, etc. A food coop usually gets their food from wholesale distributors.  CSA members know exactly who is growing their vegetables.

What is Just Food?
From the JustFood website (http://www.justfood.org): “Just Food is a non-profit organization that connects communities and local farms with the resources and support they need to make fresh, locally grown food accessible to all New Yorkers. Just Food provides regional farmers and food producers, CSA organizers and everyday eaters with the resources and support they need to establish and experience healthy food systems—in every neighborhood.”

Do I have to be a member to participate in the CSA?
Yes, only pre-paid members can participate.  There are no on-site sales of vegetables.
Can I still sign up after the season has started?
Our goal is to get the payments for the shares out to the farmer in a timely manner before the season begins, so that the farmer can use that money to buy equipment needed to harvest as well as pay the workers on their farm and prepare for the next season. Because of this, we do not accept late sign-ups.

Why do  I have to volunteer?
Parkchester CSA is a completely volunteer-run organization. The core organizing team is a group of volunteers dedicated to sustainability and access to fresh food for the community by the community, and we are compensated solely by the satisfaction of bringing these goals into fruition. As such, we ask that other members volunteer to take care of distribution days so we can continue to be able to keep the cost of the shares low. Beyond these considerations, volunteering is also a way to connect with fellow CSA members and therefore the community at large. Many of us have stayed on in the CSA not just because of the benefits of delicious, naturally grown vegetables, but because we have created genuine connections with each other through volunteering and being involved in the CSA.

Pictures of Our Farm

The Parkchester CSA made a visit to Rogowski farm (our CSA farm) in October 2010. Here are some pictures from our trip!

Information about Parkchester CSA's 2012 Season!

Our season is coming up soon and we are signing members up!


WHAT IS CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a great

way to buy local, seasonal produce directly from a local farmer.



HOW DOES IT WORK? Purchase a “share” in a farm and receive a

variety of Certified Naturally Grown vegetables weekly during a 23-
week season.



The share will be twenty weeks long, and include a variety of seven to ten vegetables to be picked up every Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1891 Mcgraw Ave. in parkchester.

The cost is 435 dollars for the season, with split shares available for those who would like to split a share with a friend. This includes a 10 dollar admin fee to be collected on the start date of the CSA.

The CSA will run from June to November, start date June 16th. The season will end on November 17th

Please contact us at parkchestercsa@gmail.com with questions and/or to receive an application.