Each year at Stearns, we think about our mission and commitment to remain organic and sustainable as both a business and a farm. In an effort to remain so, it has become necessary to reduce the number of summer CSA shares. From a land management perspective, we hope this will take pressure off land that has been in production for decades. As a result of a decreased annual income, we have decided to also reduce the number of seasonal paid staff.

As always, Stearns Farm relies on its’ wonderful and generous community members to help us succeed each year. And now, more than ever, we are looking to all of you to step up and help in any way. Whether it’s contributing financially during our fundraising campaign, purchasing plants at the seedling sale, donating a box of popsicles in July or volunteering your time out in the fields, we are truly grateful.

Here are three ways to contribute your time during the growing season:

WORK HOURS —-

One unique aspect of signing up for a CSA share at Stearns is the opportunity to complete work hours at the farm. It is a great way to learn something new and meet the farmers who grow your vegetables. Sharers who need to do their work hours can come to the farm starting Monday, April 20th. Since it takes some effort to manage and assist our workers and volunteers, we ask that you come in on the following days and times of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday from 10am-12pm.

There is no need to sign up, but you are welcome to email farmer@stearnsfarmcsa.org to let us know when you plan to come in. Please arrive shortly before 10am so we can head to the fields for instructions exactly at 10am. It takes time out of our productive days to meet with anyone who shows up late.

If you are unsure whether or not you need to do work hours, please read the confirmation email you received when you signed up for your share or email admin@stearnsfarmcsa.org

VOLUNTEER —–

Volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with the land and get to know your farmers and neighbors. Please email volunteer@stearnsfarmcsa.org to set up a time to volunteer at the farm. Similar to work hours, the days and times that work best for the farm are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday from 10am-12pm. Please arrive prior to 10am so we can head out to the fields and receive instructions together.

WORK-FOR-SHARERS —-

There are still field positions available for our work-for-share program. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in working 4hrs/week in exchange for a vegetable share, please email me at farmer@stearnsfarmcsa.org to get more information.

We will update the calendar on our website and post on social media and to let you know of special projects and volunteer opportunities throughout the season. Thank you in advance for all of your help and support. We look forward to working with many of you soon!

Until next time,

Ember