After working on many different CSA farms, we decided that we wanted to try something a bit different at Broadfork Farm, while still emphasizing the relationship and partnership between a farmer and an eater.

We started a Market Food Club.

It’s similar to a typical CSA in that the members pay up front at the beginning of the season to show their commitment to the farm. In exchange, they receive fresh, high-quality produce, a way to maintain a balanced budget, and the knowledge of where their food is coming from and how it was grown. It offers us, the farmers, confidence that our hard work and passion is supported while we’re first planting the seeds in the ground.

Our Market Food Club is different than a typical CSA because members are reaping the bounty of the growing season on their own schedule (like having a tab or credit with us). Rather than receiving a box each week, members pick exactly what they want. If you love kale, you can take as many bunches as you want. If you hate kale, you have no obligation to ever take any.

As a member of the Market Food Club, you don’t need to worry about carrying cash for shopping at the market and it’s an easy gift to give. You invest any amount in $100 increments and use it all season, like cash (plus we add a 5% bonus as a thank you).

This system has worked well for us as farmers because it hasn’t increased our time doing administrative work while still allowing us to form wonderful relationships with our members and feel truly supported by them like in other CSA relationships.

We chose this model because we realized how much of a heartbreak it would be for us to have anyone take home something we grew that they didn’t want. After tending to our produce from seed to young plant to ready-to-eat, we really want it all to be enjoyed!