How Does the Co-op Work?

Membership and Shares:  You join the co-op for a season, which lasts from early June through mid October.  There is a $50 annual membership fee.  You can then select the shares and sizes that you prefer.  We have an organic vegetable share in both a single and family size.  Fruit shares (non-organic, IPM) also come in two sizes.  We also offer an herb share, a cheese share, an Extended season in November, and Winter share in December

How and When to Get Your Share(s):  During the season, you will come to one of our depots (in Marblehead, Melrose, or Salem) every Thursday during depot hours to pick up your share(s).  There will be a menu board explaining what to select.  These selections will follow the New England growing season.  Members who choose a vegetable share will recieve a share each week.  The fruit share starts in June with stawberries and then takes a break for a few weeks when local fruit is not available.  Fruit shares usually start up again in August and continue steadily through the end of the season.  The herb share will include 10 deliveries and will be approximately every other week.  The cheese share will include 6 lb of cheese over 8 deliveries.  These deliveries will be spread throughout the season.

How to Select Shares and Sizes:  We generally advise single shares for 1-2 adults and suggest family shares for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children).  Of course, appetities and vegetable intake vary widely from family to family.  See our share examples (coming soon!) for a better idea of how much is included.  If you are uncertain what size to order, we generally recommend starting with the single sizes.  It is usually possible to upgrade to a family size later in the season.