Produce co-op to start in Flushing

Members will pay about $523 a year for 26 weeks of produce from the Golden Earthworm Organic Farm on Long Island. The monetary outlay comes out to about $20 a week for the 26-week season, which usually runs from June to November.

Once a week for six months, CSA members receive a share of what’s in season. The Flushing group hopes to have its deliveries to a location near the Mitchell-Linden housing area, according to member Ellie Freiser.

Freiser, who has lived there since 1972, said each member buys a share into the CSA. Since she is single, she will take half a share. A typical weekly amount includes about five to eight different fruits or vegetables and can feed a family of four.

“CSAs are a great way for families to help children learn about food and how it is grown,” she said. “We plan to meet with our farmer and even organize trips to visit the farm.”

Aside from the freshness of the produce, Freiser said: “Organic food just tastes better.”

The group needs 50 members and so far has about seven. “We have just started,” Freiser said. “Full payment is due by May 31.”

The program is open to anyone in the community and those interested can go to Flushingcsa@gmail.com or call (646) 801-4021.

Emily Griffin, another Flushing CSA member, said that many people are turning away from conventional grocery shopping and looking for other sources of food. “Foodies, locavores, vegetarians and those just trying to be a bit healthier are encouraged to join our group,” Griffin said.

Members acknowledge there is a shared risk in joining, but that the benefits outweigh the negatives. They say that there is no choice as to what food is distributed each week and people may not like all the choices. In addition, a storm or blight could eliminate an entire crop for the season.

But in good growing conditions, members might get a dozen zucchinis a week for a month. “You share in the bounty and pitfalls of the season,” they say.

John Choe, another member, said the project also supports area farmers, helps the environment and “accelerates a greener, more sustainable local economy in the community and across the United States.”

The Golden Earthworm Organic Farm is located in Jamesport and specializes in vegetables as well as melons, strawberries and rhubarb.

For a complete list of CSAs in Queens, go to justfood.org.