Sorry, but
Madison Eats Local Food Club
is no longer in operation.
Questions? We're sure you have some. We've tried to guess at what they might be and answer them here. If you still have questions, email us at madisoneats1@gmail.com.
01
What's the difference between a food club and a CSA?
A food club can mean many things to many people, we realize. But we found the terminology "Community Supported Agriculture" (CSA) to be a bit clunky. Whatever you call it, in the case of Madison Eats, it refers to a system of signing up with us and paying in advance for a weekly portion of produce, in addition to pastured eggs and chicken.
02
Do you spray?
This is a popular question from savvy farmers' market customers who understand that many small farmers use organic methods, but are not certified, and therefore cannot call themselves "organic" or the USDA will fine them. However, the question still isn't quite right. You see, many organic farmers do use non-toxic, organic-approved pesticides. In our case, we use them sparingly, as they are expensive, and only as a last resort when we really fear the bugs are winning the war and will destroy a much-beloved crop that we have invested many hours and/or dollars into. On the other hand, a "conventional" farmer may not "spray," but instead use a toxic powder chemical that is absorbed into the plant itself, where it kills the bugs that dare to nibble on the plant. It remains in the plant when us humans dare to nibble on it, too.
03
What happens if I can't pick up or forget to pick up my portion on a certain week?
If you know you won't be able to make a pick up, arrange with a friend or your church to have your portion picked up by someone else. If at the last minute, something comes up or you forget or just can't make it, give us a call as soon as you can so we don't worry. In some cases, we can leave it at the pick up site for you to get later, or bring it home with us and leave it on our porch. But if we don't hear from you, rest assured, your food will go to a needy family who will appreciate it!
04
05
Are you organic?
Neither Glean Acres, LLC, or Sunrise Gardens is certified organic. We are therefore not allowed to use the word "organic" when referring to our farm products, or we will be subject to a fine of up to $10,000 for a first offense. What we can tell you is that we are committed to growing our vegetables in ways that protect our health, your health, the health of the soil, and the health of the surrounding wildlife--including bees. That means that for the most part, we use the same methods and products used by certified organic farmers.
Can I/do I have to help out on the farm?
We welcome helpers, so long as they are able to recognize that time we spend giving farm tours and answering questions is time we don't spend growing food efficiently. For this reason, we ask that enthusiastic helpers who enjoy getting dirt under their fingernails, sweating through t-shirts, carrying heavy objects, and stooping for long periods come for a minimum of four hours. That will give us time to show you around, chat a bit, and get some real, all-hands-on-deck work done! But no, members do not HAVE to help. (Though as an added incentive, for every four hours you spend helping out, you get extra produce to do with as you please--practice a random act of kindness and give it to a stranger or colleague, have an extra nutritious week at home, bring it to a food bank--the choice is yours!