Workplace CSAs
Workplace farm deliveries make for healthier, happier employees
Did you know you can get farm fresh products like vegetables, fruits, eggs, dairy and more delivered right to your workplace? Many Whatcom County businesses of all sizes have jumped on board with signing up for a delivery to their workplace of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share.
Sign up for CSA membership in early Spring for Summer, Fall/Winter deliveries.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and is an arrangement between a farmer and the customer, where you buy a membership, or subscription, to a local farm in advance of the season. The farmer uses the up front funds for seeds and everything needed to grow the food. In return, the farmer delivers your weekly "share" of the farm harvest, typically with a newsletter and recipes. See photos of a typical CSA box from week-to-week.
What is a Workplace CSA?
Farms offering CSA shares will make deliveries to your workplace for a typical minimum of 5 shares. (The minimum number can vary, so be sure to ask).
Benefits of a Workplace CSA
- Convenient: farm fresh, seasonal, nutritious foods delivered at work!
- Supports local farms and the local economy
- Payroll deduction makes it easy
- Fun to share and swap recipes with your co-workers
Employee satisfaction surveys
Each year we conduct a Workplace CSA Survey and compile findings into a report to share. Click below to find out more about the wonderful outcomes a CSA can bring!
Great resources to help you get started each season:
- 2013 CSA Farm List - See all your options in one place! Compiled in partnership with the Community Food Co-op, also available at communityfood.coop
- Workplace CSA Best Practices
Frequently Asked Questions:
*Photo caption: Wood Stone uses a designated area in the workshop for their CSA shares.
Q: What if I am a sole proprietor, or only have a couple of people at my business - not enough to make the 5 full share minimum?
A: Two options: 1) You could partner with another business close by & still have the convenience of shares dropped just a few doors away. 2) You could sign up for a CSA as an individual, let Sustainable Connections know you receive a CSA share, and your business will be recognized as a participant in the Workplace CSA program via our Sustainable Business Practices icon.
Q: What if I work for a State run agency and the rules for procurement don't seem to match with buying from a farm?
A: Government rules and regulations can often be difficult to sort out when doing something new like offering employee wellness benefits through a CSA. Luckily, Washington Wellness has created a resource website where you will find a how-to guide to starting CSA Delivery at State Work Sites.
Q: How do I get a Workplace CSA started at my business/organization?
A: Contact Sara @ (360) 647-7093 x114 or Sara@sconnect.org and start receiving all the benefits of delicious deliveries from local farmers at your workplace!
Click here to see a list of Participating Businesses
Workplace CSA Initiative Goals:
- Increase the market options for farmers who offer CSA shares direct to workplaces
- Encourage area businesses to engage with local farmers
- Make local and nutritious produce more accessible to employees through the convenience of workplace delivery
- Increase employee awareness and engagement in the Eat Local First Campaign.
Eat Local First - stay connected, from farm to fork: www.eatlocalfirst.org
* Many thanks to CISA for information from their Guide for Developing Workplace CSA Distributions and Botanical Labs for sharing their great resources and experiences the first year.*
