Local, fresh produce pick-up/delivery in Birmingham
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Have you ever found yourself missing out on fresh produce because you can’t make it to a local Farmer’s Market? If so, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) just might be for you.
CSA is a relationship between local farmers and community members who pay an annual fee to help farmers cover production costs. In return, community members receive a weekly share of the farmer’s harvest during growing season. Therefore, farmers receive financial support and community members receive fresh produce harvested at the peak of ripeness.
Check out this list of some of Birmingham’s prime CSA farms.
Snow’s Bend Farm
Located outside of Tuscaloosa, Snow’s Bend Farm is owned by David Snow and Margaret Ann Toohey. The two grew the farm from 1/4 an acre in 2004 to over 10 acres in 2010.
In the summer, Snow’s Bend Farm harvests a variety of tomatoes, squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumbers, basil, and more. You can find a full list of expected harvest for each season here.
Pick-up takes place on Thursdays before 6pm at five different locations:
1. Red Cat Coffee House in Pepper Place
2. Continental Bakery in English Village
3. Classic Wine Company in Homewood
4. UAB Child Development Center
5. Southern Research in Southside
Also, there is a home delivery option for an added cost. For a full breakdown of the seasonal schedule and price analysis, follow this link.
Hepzibah Farms
Located near Talladega, a group of friends opened 37-acre Hepzibah Farms four years ago.
Hepzibah Farms offers a Spring term, April 19th-June 21st, and a Fall term, September 27th-November 29th. Pick-up takes place on Wednesday afternoons at Urban Standard on 2nd Ave N. in downtown Birmingham, Seasick Records in Crestwood, or at the farm.
For a price breakdown of CSA membership, check out Hepzibah Farm’s website.
Owls Hollow Farm
Located in Gadsden, Owls Hollow Farm seeks to help others get healthier with their fresh produce.
Owls Hollow Farm’s CSA/Farm Box program is year round. Pick-up locations include Urban Cookhouse in Homewood, Urban Cookhouse at the Summit, and Charlie Thigpen’s Garden at Pepper Place. Delivery takes place on Thursdays by noon.
Also, Owls Hollow Farm offers a Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas box for the holidays. For more information on pricing, visit their website.
If eating fresh produce is important to you, then an investment in CSA could be worth it. Not only do you get to enjoy delicious fruits and vegetables, but you also get to support local farmers in doing the work they love. Plus, you can do it while avoiding the Farmer Market crowds. For a complete list of CSA farms across Alabama, follow this link!
