It's Queens Magazine
Kimberly Ferstler and her husband Kevin Burns are the co-founders of the Glendale CSA, which is entering its inaugural season this June.
“We’ve been members of a CSA for a while, but we always felt a little embarassed becase we were getting sustainably raised vegetables and using our car to go get them,” said Ferstler, who has been a member of the Forest Hills CSA and the Greenpoint-Williamsburg CSA in the past because they were the most convenient locations for her.
Ferstler decided to do something about it; come June, Glendale residents will be able to buy a full share of vegetables for the growing season, which runs through November, for a little over $500, or roughly $20 per week. Half shares are available as well.
“You’re cutting out the middleman because you’re buying it directly from the farmer. If you’re going to buy organic food, this is cheaper,” said Ferstler. She added, "It’s also nice to know where your food is coming from.”
The Glendale CSA group will be working with the Garden of Eve, a certified organic farm based in North Fork, Long Island, that doesn’t use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
Ferstler said 30 to 40 people have already signed up. Now she’s looking for a distribution site where members will be able to pick up their fresh produce on Saturday mornings.
There will be a trade box for any ingredients that people want to swap, and arrangements will be made for any unclaimed food to be donated to a local charity that feeds the less advantaged. Members will take turns handling tasks like running distribution, managing communications, and organizing fun events like potluck dinners.
“I think Glendale has several solid community-based organizations, but it can always use more,” said Ferstler. “We want to foster a community feeling, and it’s nice to find people who have like-minded views about food and the environment.”
For more information or to inquire about Glendale CSA membership, visit their webstie..
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