Stearns Farm is unique among CSAs in that it allows sharers to work in the fields. Field work is part of our mission: getting your hands in the soil is guaranteed to give you a deeper understanding of what it takes to grow food in New England’s challenging environment.
Every full share includes a requirement to perform 12 hours of fieldwork over the course of the growing season (April through October). Alternate week shares require 6 hours of fieldwork. To fulfill your fieldwork requirement you will sign up for a two-hour slot on a day and time of your choice. We ask that you come to the farm 15 minutes before your work time begins to be assigned a task for the day. Please remember to sign the sharer work hours clipboard at the end of your work time.
Working at the farm is a family affair. We encourage you to bring your children: older children (ages 8 and up) can work alongside you, while younger ones (ages 4-8) can participate in the Children’s Garden work days organized on some Saturdays throughout the season.
Counting the hours your children have worked as part of your required work hours will be decided at the farmers’ discretion. Please check in at the end of your work hours to discuss this issue.
Click here for more information about the Children’s Garden work days.
We especially need help in May and June. Please note that half of your field work hours must be worked or paid for by July 18. To sign up for field work, click here.
If you are unable to work your hours, you may pay the farm to hire someone to work them in your place for $10/hour. If you know how many hours you need to pay for, please send a check to the farm as soon as possible. If you are unsure of how many hours you owe, contact our Administrative Assistant Frann Bennett at admin@stearnsfarmcsa.org.
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Work Hours FAQ
Do we work in the rain?
The crew often works in wet weather, and you are welcome to do the same if you have proper gear and don’t mind getting wet. If the idea of being wet and muddy makes you cranky, please reschedule.
What should I wear?
Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Sturdy closed-toe shoes that can get dirty. In hot weather, a hat is essential. Bring a water bottle too. If you want to wear gloves, please bring some from home.
What are the work hour times?
Tuesday 10 am-noon and 2-4 pm
Thursday 10 am-noon and 2-4 pm
Friday 10 am-noon and 2-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-noon and 2-4 pm
Do I need to document my work hours?
Yes! After you have completed your work for the day, look for the sharer work hours clipboard in the greenhouse, find your name and record the date and hours you’ve worked. Note that the clipboard lists only the names of enrolled sharers. If you have arranged privately to split a share, and the required work hours, with an enrolled sharer, your name will not appear on the clipboard. You should record your hours beside the name of the person whose share you are splitting.
Are work hours a form of volunteering?
No. Work hours are a requirement of your share. We welcome any additional volunteer time you can put it at the farm, either by yourself or with a group you would like to bring. To discuss volunteer options at Stearns Farm contact volunteer coordinator Sara Abramovitz: saralarry@verizon.com.