FAQ about the FDC

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. 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, vitamin green, )
  • Broccoli
  • Bok Choi
  • Scallions
  • Snap peas
  • Garlic scapes
  • Radishes
  • Summer squash
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Cilantro
  • English shelling peas
  • 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- ORGANIC

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Watermelon (Red & Yellow)
  • Cranberries

HERBS

  • Potted annual
  • Potted perennial
  • Four or Five bunches of fresh cut herbs ( which may include a blend of  Winter Savory, Greek oregano, specialty basils (thai, italian,large leaf), rosemary, purple sage, chives/garlic chives, thyme, lemon thyme, bay leaf, lemon grass, dill)
  • Herbal vinegar - choice of flavors
  • edible flowers
  • Herbal sea salt
  • dried herb blend

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

How many vegetables will I get?

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

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

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.

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, Bread of Life, Malden, Main Street House, Melrose, and individual families in need.

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, more recently (2009, 2010) we have been able to find fruit every week of the season.  You still receive the monetary value of your share by the end of the season if we have "no fruit weeks".  In the event you join as a fruit only share, and we have no fruit, we will email you.

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 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.

What's available for Fall and Winter?

November share (Formerly "Extended Season") consists of two pick-ups two weeks apart at your regular depot. Each pick up is about double the large share size, consisting of both fruits and vegetables. About half of our members opt to stay on for November. Delivery dates are Tuesdays November 1 + 15 and Thursdays, November 3 + 17. We typically offer carrots, potatoes, squash, onions, apples, maple syrup, cabbages, sweet potatoes, parsnips, apples, cranberries and more—it’s a great way to get your Thanksgiving goodies and stock up for winter, while supporting local farmers.

Bulk Order The bulk order is an opportunity for members to stock up on produce for storage or processing to keep over the fall and winter. This option has grown in popularity over the years and now has its own pick-up day, this year on Thursday, November 10th. Watch the newsletter and your inbox for information about availability and how to order.

December Share (Formerly "Winter Share") will be delivered to your depot for members who sign up in early December. That single large pick-up offers a final hurrah from every share type: bread, a wedge of cheese, an herb, and lots of veggies, apples and cider. For more details or to sign up, contact Tamara (at) farmdirectcoop(dot)org