Read on for a list of local CSA programs that make eating local a cinch!
During the pandemic, I started thinking more about our meat consumption as a family. We weren’t ready to become vegetarians but we were ready to start eating less — but better — meat. I wanted to be more thoughtful about where our meat came from and how we can support local farmers and their sustainable practices. We are lucky in Oregon to have easy access to a plethora of farms, a multitude of farmers’ markets, and excellent local groceries. But I was curious about a CSA program and what they could uniquely offer.
CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) are a great way to support our local farms through pledging support for a farm and sharing in the risks and benefits of the harvest. We can support farms as we shop at farmers’ markets, but there is something significant about investing in one specific farm and shouldering their initial costs for the year. In return, we benefit from a regular share of the bounty. In previous experiences of a vegetable CSA, my family has grown in our appreciation of seasonal produce and become more adventurous with vegetables we might not have purchased if we saw it in the market (hello, fava beans!). Every week is a fun surprise.
I found Double F Farms online and signed up for the waiting list. When a spot opened up in May, I jumped at the chance. I was interested in a CSA that had a variety of proteins and didn’t require investing in a chest freezer for the subscription. In my few months with Double F Farms, I have fallen in love with my meat CSA. I stopped buying meat at the grocery store, and only use what I get for the month, along with the 2 dozen eggs that come with my 20 lb. share. And the meat is, unquestionably, better. The first thing we tried were the pork chops. With just salt and pepper, grilled, they were the most porky, flavorful and tender pork chops I have had. The beef rump roast that I might not have purchased on my own, cooked into a luscious beef barbacoa. The bacon was the star of our BLTs for lunch today.
In addition, farmer Katia has made our CSA experience really enjoyable. During our monthly pick up, there is a happy hour spread where we get to chat with the farmers and meet other members. She sends recipes and ideas for cooking the cuts of meat we received. My son had many questions about their animals and the farm, and she took her time to answer each one. I love that she is his farmer and he has a greater connection to where our food comes from and we get to spend our money in something sustainable and healthy.
Double F Ranch has a 6 month commitment and currently they are not taking new members. But there is a waitlist for the upcoming season.
Interested in investing in local agriculture through a CSA? Below you’ll find a sampling of local CSAs to try. It’s late in the season for joining now, but get on their mailing lists or waitlists to reap the harvest next year.
Portland-Area CSAs
Double F Ranch. My family highly recommends this monthly meat and egg CSA, available in mini, small, and large packages beginning at 25 pounds.
Gathering Farm. Gathering Farms is a large, established organic farm. They have eight Portland-area pick up locations, including local farmers markets. The main season covers 21 weeks, and costs $775 (payment plans available), approximately $37 per week.
Eloisa Organic Farm. Skip the line at their farmers market booths and simply grab your box and check your name off the list. The seasonal price is approximately $30 per week, paid up front.
Our Table. Our Table is a certified organic farm in Sherwood. If you pay up front, you receive one week’s share for free! Pick ups are on Thursdays from 2-6 pm. The average value for a farm share for 2-4 people is $27.50/box, paid up front or monthly.
Port Orford CSF. Port Orford CSF sells shares of seafood, caught locally. At sign up, there’s a $100 share minimum, and you can spend it as quickly or slowly as you like.
Cloud Cap Mushrooms. This family grows their organic variety of mushrooms that you can pick up by the pound at four locations in Portland. Prices start at $24 every four weeks.
Hood River Organics. Hood River Organics is part of a local team of small organic farms which gives you greater variety of produce. You can pick up the share or have it delivered for a small fee. You may also customize your share! They also have other grocery items to add to your box. Pay by the week, start or stop anytime. Prices start at $35/week for their micro-sprout (feeds 1-2 people) box or $45 for their sprout box (feeds 1-3 people).
Hoffman Farms Berry Subscription. Sign up for their mailing list to be the first to know when sign-ups for this popular subscription service open each spring. They often sell out of their berries, and this guarantees you won’t miss out!
Full Circle. Full Circle partners with West Coast farms to bring 100% organic, sustainably farmed food directly to your door. Customize your box each week, with the option to add on artisan goods. Choose from a traditional CSA box, a mixed fruit and veggie box, or a snack box. Stop or skip deliveries any time. PDX Parent’s Digital Content Director has used this service for years and loves how easy it is. Prices start at $28 for the smallest box, including delivery, and the traditional CSA box costs $36.95 per box.
47th Avenue Farm. Do like some of Portland’s top restaurants do, and sign up for a CSA with 47th Avenue Farm! Pick up your sustainably grown food in SE Portland and Lake Oswego.
Flying Coyote Farm. Flying Coyote offers a wide range of goods, from meat and produce to west coast maple syrup — and even sourdough bread! Pick up at six east Portland locations. Choose whole or half shares, and feed your family well for approximately $5 a day. Prices vary by product, but the produce box costs $40.50 per week, paid up front.
Zenger Farm. Zenger Farm is the only farm on this list that advertises sliding scale pricing based on need. Pick up your weekly box at their farm on SE Foster Road on Thursdays.
Cartwheel Community Farm. Pick up a “rainbow basket” each week from this woman-owned local farm. Choose a small ($20/box) or big ($35/box) share, with pick up locations on Sauvie Island, North Plains, SE Portland, and the Beaverton Farmers Market.