Frequently Asked Questions

Good Earth Food Alliance (GEFA) CSA Frequently Asked Questions

How much produce will I find in my share?

We strive to include 5-9 different vegetables, fruit, and culinary herbs each week.  Because there are seven farms in the multi-farm CSA and we are scattered over five west central IL counties, we have been able to weather the difficult growing conditions the past three years. We have nine hoop houses, unheated plastic covered structures, which extend our season of growing during severe weather.  A share is based on the value of the produce, not weight.  We provide an approximate $20 value each week.  If our early spring shares are a little less in value we make up for this by mid to late in the season.  We often surpass our value when we have an abundance of produce. 

Following are examples of seasonal weekly share:

What happens when there is a crop failure or bad weather?  How does it affect my share?

When extreme weather is happening, crops are most likely affected.  Your share may look a little scarce until the farms have a chance to recover and crops come back to life. We try to make up for any loss later in the season. When you buy a share into our farms, you are taking a risk along with the farmers.  We do our best to make sure you have a diverse and plentiful share each week. 

Since we own a share of in the farms can we visit a farm whenever we want?

We have a fall harvest potluck dinner, rotating between one of our farms each year.  If there is a specific farm you would like to visit please contact us by email. During the season, we are very busy growing for you and many farmers are also selling to Farmers Markets and restaurants, so we really appreciate a call ahead.  The newsletter will keep you informed about our special events.

Is it possible to help on one of the farms?

GEFA welcomes your help in multiple ways. Please check out the “Get Involved” volunteer opportunities on our website at www.goodearthfoodalliance.com

Can I share a weekly box with another household?

Absolutely, if 6-9 different products seem more than you may use on a weekly basis, we encourage you to share the box with another household.  Be sure to add their name to your CSA order form.   If you are a very busy person or travel a lot in the summer, it’s nice to have another household to share picking up the produce.  

Can I get a double share the next time to make up if I miss picking up my share?

When crops need to be harvested unfortunately they don’t quit growing or ripening, so no matter what, the show must go on whether you are there or not.  You can ask a neighbor, friend or family member to pick up for you if you cannot.

Can I come out to the farm the next day and pick up my share if I forget it?

Because we are a multi-farm CSA with different farmers growing different crops scattered over five counties this makes it impossible to go to a certain farm to pick up a share.  

What happens to the food if I don’t show up to pick it up?

At the two church sites in Peoria GEFA has made arrangements for these churches to donate any leftover food to those in need or it will be donated to Esther House.  All sites donate unclaimed shares so no food is ever wasted. 

Can I choose some of the items in my share?

The farmers provide over fifty different crops.  Eating seasonally is at the heart of all CSA programs.  Eating a variety of fresh produce is a healthy way of eating.  If your family likes a half dozen produce items, and you don’t like to try new things and prepare fresh produce, a CSA is probably not for you.   We provide you with a weekly newsletter which will provide lots of recipes and cooking tips to help you use your produce. Plus our website has a wide array of recipes. And many of our shareholders like to share recipes on GEFA Facebook.  A farmer and/or a well seasoned CSA shareholder will always be at each of our drop sites to help with any questions you may have about your weekly share.

Do I have to order a produce share in order to order the pastured poultry, egg, meat share?

No. You are welcome to order any or all of the CSA shares we offer. However, any CSA must be ordered by May 1^st or until sold out.

Do you offer other products during the season?

Our Ala Carte e-commerce website order program is an added bonus. Linda Prescott, one of our alliance farmers, has honey and mushrooms available certain times of the season which are made available for sale on our Ala Carte Program. Pasta is provided by Crow Creek, we work cooperatively with small, local, value added farms which make specialty foods using crops they grow.  If we have a bumper crop of certain crops we may offer a special lower bulk price for those interested in canning or freezing large quantities.

Where can I pick up my share?

There are six locations. Sites/addresses are on the CSA order form.  

1. Two  sites in Peoria
2. Morton
3. Wyoming
4. Farmington
5. Canton

Do you grow using organic methods?

All farms are required to follow strict growing and safe and sanitary methods.  Meyer Organic Produce and Meadow Haven Farm are certified organic.  We build our soils using cover crops, crop rotations, companion plantings and compost.  We do not use genetically modified seeds, synthetic herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics in feed.

If I have any other questions how can I communicate with you?

You are welcome to contact us via email by going to the bottom of our home page at www.goodearthfoodalliance.com  and sending a contact us question.   It is recommended you not email us on a Tuesday during the season since we are too busy harvesting to check emails.