Click here to visit the Grasshoppers CSA blog. Be sure to check it out for recipes, farmer contributions and other goodies.

Community Supported Agriculture and Grasshoppers

Community Supported Agriculture is the concept of people supporting a farm with a direct investment, and sharing in the return of the harvest. Their relationship with the farm, the fresh seasonal food that comes in the boxes every week, and sharing in the risks that make for a bountiful or poor harvest all connect them to the place where they live. Meanwhile, the farm family has resources and a secure market throughout the year.

Grasshoppers has improvised on this model, to offer a multi-farm, all-natural and organically grown program that provides beef, chicken, pork, milk, cheese, and eggs as well as produce. Many of our CSA farms also have their own CSAs and sell at Farmers' Markets or other outlets. Our program provides them with a stable market and fair prices for the additional crops they can produce, creating another stream of income on the farm.

The income generated for Grasshoppers helps us pursue the new frontiers of local food opportunity, such as hospitals, schools, and other institutions. Our farmer-owned business is dedicated to building a local food economy on all levels, and we enthusiastically invite you to join us!

The Details

Each share – whether it is the standard winter staples basket or protein – is individually priced, so you design your basket..

Our winter staples share is $398 for 13 weeks , or $28 a week Includes $26 refundable bottle deposit ($2 per jar, refunded on pick up site).. Each winter basket has 3-4 seasonal produce items, 1 dozen farm fresh eggs, ½ gallon of local milk in a glass jar with cream on top, and one winter staple that alternates each week. There is a rotation of maple syrup, honey, gourmet mushrooms, and sorgum. You will receive each of these items once a month.. A weekly newsletter tells you what items are in your basket, the farms they came from, and has recipes to help use the more adventurous items. Examples of winter produce are; butternut and delicata squash, cabbage, sweet potatoes, hot-house tomatoes, apples, head lettuce, loose salad mix and hearty greens. If for any reason you do not pick up your basket, we will see that it goes to food-insecure people here in Louisville.

Producers will be planning for your package months in advance. If you must cancel for any reason, we ask that you find someone to take your share, or donate it to a family in need. We do not give refunds.

About the Farms

By becoming a member, you will be supporting over thirty family farms who supply the Grasshoppers' CSA, all located in Kentucky or southern Indiana. Produce is grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Although many of the farms have chosen not to become certified organic, we know them personally and will introduce them to you, through CSA materials and farm tours. We may substitute conventional items at times if needed to fill your box. These items will always be pointed out in the newsletter. All of the meat and dairy animals are raised out on pasture and are antibiotic, steroid and hormone free.