Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of produce can I expect?

Our fruits and veggies arrive as soon as they ripen. Harvests follow the natural New England growing season providing an education in seasonal eating.  From 2006, in order of appearance - we may receive additional crops, and skip a few of the ones listed each year. This is a reality of farming and weather:

Organic veggies and fruits and herbs

VEGGIES
Spinach
Lettuce (green leaf, red leaf,Romaine, green boston, red boston)
Other greens (Swiss chard, kale, arugula, mizuna)
Snap peas

Radishes

Summer squash

Parsley

Dill

Cilantro

Basil

Cucumbers (slicing & pickling)

Beets

Fresh onions

Green beans
Tomatoes ("Greenhouse", beefsteak, cherry & heirloom varieties)
Green peppers
Fennel

Carrots
Hot peppers
Eggplant (Regular & Japanese)

New potatoes

Red Peppers

Broccoli

Leeks

Hard squashes

Garlic

Shallots

Cabbage

Celeriac

Cauliflower

Turnip

Brussel Sprouts

Parsnips
... and more.

 

FRUIT

Strawberries

Blueberries

Cantaloupe

Watermelon (Red & Yellow)

Cranberries

 

HERBS

Potted

Annual

Potted perennial

Winter savory

Greek oregano

French tarragon

Herbal Balsamic vinegar

Specialty Basils

Rosemary

Purple Sage

Chives

Garlic chive blossoms

Herbal vinegars

IPM PRODUCE
Strawberries

Rhubarb

Sweet Corn

Peaches

Apples (up to 25 varieties over the season)  

Pears

Asian pears
Plums
Award winning apple cider

table grapes

prune plums

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How many vegetables will I get?

Based on a 20 week season, a singles' vegetable share will average $9.75 per week, a family vegetable share $16.50, singles' fruit $7.00 and family fruit $10.00. The extended season includes two extra deliveries of hearty vegetables (potatoes, carrots, winter squash, etc.) in November, each worth $32.50. The winter share is a big box of roots, greens, fruit and products.

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For example,how much do the veggies cost individually?

Even though you pay for your share ahead of time, we buy from our growers based on these expected 2010 prices:

• Greens (spinach/lettuce/collard/basil) - $2.05 ea.
• Tomatoes - $3.00 to $4.50/lb.
• Zucchini & Eggplant - $1.75/lb
• Apples - $1.10/lb

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What if I can't make it to the depot?

If you are delayed please ask a family member or friend to pick up. If you can't, call 1-877-332-3276 (1-877-FDC-FARM) BY CLOSING TIME!!  and we will make arrangements for you. First delivery is free, $5 every time thereafter. Note: we may not be able to deliver to those living far away.  Call for details. If you go on vacation, you can treat a friend or neighbor to your share.

WE DO NOT GIVE REFUNDS FOR MISSED WEEKS.

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If I miss a pick-up, where does my food go?

We offer leftovers to co-op members first. You can make up for a missed week this way by coming at the very end of the depot hours.  Anything remaining goes to: The Salem Mission, Salem; My Brother's Table, Lynn; Food Pantry  - First Universalist Society, Salem; Food Pantry, St. Stephens, Lynn, A servants Heart food Pantry, Melrose and individual families in need.

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Why are there sometimes weeks with no fruit in July?

Strawberries are gone by the 4th of July. Peaches ripen near the beginning of August. The few local fruit crops available in the interim can be unpredictable -- blueberries, raspberries, black raspberries, currant, cherries and gooseberries. While in the past, there have been 3-4 weeks of no fruit, we are often able to track down some of these fragile beauties. You still receive the monetary value of your share by the end of the season. In recent years, we were lucky enough to have fruit every week, though the size of a single and family share was the same.

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Where does the annual membership fee go?

The $50 fee goes directly to cover costs of maintaining our organization, newsletters, labor, office supplies, directors and officers insurance, as well as liability insurance. The membership fee does not fully cover the expenses connected with running this organization. It is an important part of our Co-op.

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