2021 CSA Veggie Boxes ON SALE NOW
Veggie What?
This is our version of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. When you join a CSA, you enter into a direct partnership with a local farm. Members buy a share of the farm’s harvest at the beginning of the season to contribute to the costs of seeds, tools, and other inputs. As members, you will be rewarded with delicious, fresh, and hyper-local produce and a strong sense of community.
You will also be supporting our children and youth programs, which base their learning and empowerment activities on the schoolyard farms providing a place for youth to connect with food. From planting a seed to cooking a meal, we catalyze learning that students carry forward to make healthy food choices, become strong community leaders, and advocate for a more just and sustainable food system.
What comes in a weekly box?
For an average of $22.50/box, you get a week’s worth of produce: greens, root vegetables, fruits (like tomatoes and squash!) and herbs. Your Veggie Box will change with the season, containing 5-7 items and providing you with an amazing range of vegetables grown with care using organic practices. This is a chance to eat in an attuned way with our BC seasonality, and to discover new foods and cooking traditions. Our newsletter will provide you with recipes and ideas on how to prepare your veggies, as well as stories about the farm and programs. Below you’ll find a few sample boxes to get an idea of what boxes might look like from week to week.
Sample Box 1
1 Kohlrabi
1 Celery
1 Fennel
1 pound eggplant
Sample Box 2
1 Bunch Radishes
1 lb Summer Squash
1 bunch Beets
3 mini cabbages
1 Head Lettuce
Sample Box 3
1/3 lb Salad Mix
1 Bunch Beets
1 Bunch Carrots
1 lb Storage Onions
2 baby Fennel
Convenient Pickup Location
Starting the first week of June until mid-October pick up your veggies every Wednesday at the Italian Cultural Centre from 4-8 pm, where we will also be hosting a pop-up market for the local community to buy vegetables along with a rotating selection of guest vendors, delicious hot pizza and other goodies served up outside on the patio!
- Italian Cultural Centre map
Questions? Call 778-764-0344 ext. 103 or for less urgent matters email: food@freshroots.ca
Veggie Box FAQ
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between the farmer and you with both of us sharing some of the risks, as well as the bounty, of the farm. This agreement outlines our shared commitments.
What can I expect in my weekly box?
5-7 items per week depending on seasonal availability. You will receive an average of $22.50 of produce every week.
What do I do if I can’t pick up my box?
If you can’t pick up your box, feel free to send a friend in your place to pick up for you. All we need is their name!
What if I can’t make it by 7 pm to pick up my box?
No problem! If you are a little late, boxes will be left in the Italian Cultural Centre’s main entrance with self-serve pickup is available until they close at 8 pm.
Will I get a newsletter or recipe each week before I pick up my box?
Yes! Our members-only Veggie Box weekly newsletter filled with food journalism, recipe ideas, photos and farm stories will be emailed Tuesday, the day before pickup so you know what to plan for.
Do you deliver?
No, we do not deliver. Pick up will be at the Italian Cultural Centre between 4-7pm with self-serve pickup from 7-8pm. Check out the map here.
When can I start picking up my Veggie Box?
Veggie Boxes will start at the beginning of June and end in mid-October. We will send out the exact date closer to the beginning of pickup.
* Please note, due to the unpredictability of weather and farming, we may adjust the start and end dates by a week to make sure we are off to the best start. Don’t worry! The total value of your share will be the same.
Do you use plastic and packaging?
Yes, we do. We are trying to minimize the use of plastics on the farm and will provide options for folks to bring their own bags and pack their own items for things like salad mix, beans and potatoes. If you come during the self-serve period, items will be packed in bags where needed to ensure quantity and quality.
Is Fresh Roots organic?
Fresh Roots follows organic practices but is not Certified Organic.
How can I contact you?
If something comes up and you need to get in touch with a Fresh Roots staff on the day of pickup, please call or text 778 764 0344. For less urgent matters you can email food@freshroots.ca
Here’s what our members are saying
I LOVE getting our weekly Fresh Roots Veggie Box! The veggies are grown just a few blocks from our house, and they are the freshest, most delicious produce you can imagine. Mmmmm! It’s fun to go pick up our veggies and see neighbours and friends, and sometimes buy a loaf of fresh bread, some eggs or local berries.
Susan, CSA Veggie Box Member since 2014
To me, Fresh Roots is the definition of supporting local. I first learned about the CSA boxes and the farms when I went on a field trip with the high school I was working with at the time. We spent the day at David Thompson learning about farming and the SOYL program. I joined the CSA that day and have been a member ever since.
Jaclyn, CSA Veggie Box Member since 2016