Ann Arbor CSAs

I had a friend in Ann Arbor, MI ask for information on CSA programs.  I checked it out and the information is a bit overwhelming!  But if you go to this URL: http://www.ecovian.com/s/ann-arbor-mi/csa-food-delivery, you can see the entire list.  Here are some of the interesting programs available:

1)      Capella Farm (http://capellafarm.com): The program is generally a summer program, but they had an extended season this past year.  They are accepting applications for this summer: 20 week program for $600, half shares are $325.  The half shares pick up every other week instead of every week.

2)      Sunseed Farm (http://www.farmsunseed.com/): This farm has three shares: winter, summer and fall. The shares are prepaid in this program.  The summer share is 16 weeks and costs $560.  The winter and fall shares are the same length and cost.  Applications are now being taken for the summer 2011 share.

3)      Two Creeks Organics (http://www.twocreeksorganics.com/): This program involves the community even more by having Farm Days and festivals.  This one has a full-share and half share programs at $600 and $325, respectively.  The other interesting program at Two Creeks are work shares.  The share will be provided for 8 hours work a month (total 48 hrs for share).  These shares are limited, so call 734-678-1984 to inquire.

4)      Beautiful Earth Family Farm (http://www.beautifulearthfarm.com/): This farm is located in Chelsea, MI.  They offer 20 weekly shares for $500. They actually have pickup locations not only in Ann Arbor, but Chelsea, Detroit and Ypsilanti.

5)      Tantre Farm (http://tantrefarm.com/): This farm provides pickup at the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market. You may also pick up at the farm.  The 20-week share programs cost $600 for farmers’ market pickup or $575 for farm pickup.

6)      Community Farm of Ann Arbor (http://www.communityfarmofaa.org/): This program has been around since 1988! They shares are $700-1800 and you can get split shares.  This is another farm that holds events and festivals for the participants.

Michigan, Lansing CSA programs

It's the beginning of a busy week for me.  Hard to believe that a week from tomorrow I will be flying out to Hawaii to accept a New Investigator Award.  For today, I wanted to follow up on my sister's request for information on CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs in the Lansing area.  As I started looking I ran across this website: http://www.csafarms.org/.  This is a site that lists the CSA farms/programs available in Northeast Michigan!  What a great resource!!!

Okay, so here are the programs available in the Lansing area:

Michigan State University Student Student Organic Farm (http://www.msuorganicfarm.com/community-supported-agriculture): This program provides members with CSA packages 48 weeks/year.  There are more than one membership available:

• Year-Round: must be a summer member first, however, this membership is broken into 4 16-week sessions for $515 (about $32/week) currently
• Summer-Only: This is the starter package.  Runs 20 weeks, mid-June to October.  Unfortunately, there is a waiting list for this program.  Get on the list as soon as you can; the wait is approximately 18-24 months

Note that this is a vegetarian program.  Unlike the program that I participate in here in Cleveland, you will only get produce on this program.

Titus Farms, Leslie, MI (http://www.titusfarms.com/Become_A_Member.html);
This program is taking membership applications now for the 2011 program.  With this program, you can choose a vegetarian only option or add other shares such as flowers, eggs, chicken or fruit.  The other interesting thing about this program is that there are different size packages for the vegetarian shares.

CBI's Giving Tree Farm (http://cbisgivingtreefarm.wordpress.com/):  Another program taking applications for 2011.  The program this year is $300 for 23 weeks and runs from May 25th to Oct 26. 

Okay, I have to run!  But that's a start, hope it helps.  I should probably take a look at whether my program is taking applications for the summer yet.  I can't wait to start getting all that wonderful fresh produce!

An exciting opening in Midland, MI!!!!!!

So, I have to put a plug out for a brand new Organic Foods store having it's GRAND OPENING this weekend in Midland, Michigan.  A couple weeks ago, I got a page request on Facebook from a former classmate of mine: Mark Bone.  When I checked it out, I found out that he and his wife have opened a new organic food store!  The name of the store is Nature's Gift Organic Market and it's located on Saginaw Rd in Midland, MI. 

This weekend is their grand opening and I just got a video from Mark that will show that not only is the store an organic food market, but also very Michigan-centric.  At the end of the video, there is information about this weekend's grand opening.  View it here: http://www.facebook.com/l/b1ba8t5yCipZ3Gf2NlNp0v9evUg;JeffDeHaven.com

Congratulations Mark and Michelle!  I am very excited to have a great market to visit when I am home.  I wish you the best of luck with your opening and wish I could be there!!!!

Grand Opening details:

Nature's Gift Organic Market

4306 N. Saginaw Rd.

Midland, MI

Saturday, Jan 15, 9:00am - Sunday, Jan 16, 5:00pm

Sales throughout the store, raffles and much more!!!!