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These local co-ops and CSAs offer a regular supply of fresh, locally grown produce straight from the farm to your table.
We’ve all been to local co-ops, and you’ve probably heard of a CSA, but many don’t know exactly what the difference between the two is, nor the difference between them and a traditional farmers’ market. A co-op is a producer- and/or user-owned business that operates for the benefit of members rather than outside investors. CSAs, short for community shared agriculture, involve consumers paying for a share of produce from farmer(s) prior to each growing season, thus becoming more directly involved and providing more direct support. Ahead of national Farmers’ Market Week, let’s take a look at some of the top co-ops and CSAs around the Main Line.
Co-Ops
Swarthmore Community Food Market
341 Dartmouth Ave., Swarthmore
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This local co-op was established just a few years into the Great Depression, when women of the Swarthmore community came together to remedy the lack of availability of fresh produce. Over the years, it’s grown to be one of the largest co-ops in the area. Today, anyone can shop at the co-op, and everyone is invited to become a member. Membership supports local farmers and environmentally conscious practices. Members also receive quarterly savings, access to classes and events and delivery services.
West Chester Cooperative
West Chester
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This cooperative has a presence at the West Chester Grower’s Market as well as the Co-op Local Food Program at the Holy Trinity Church in West Chester. The cooperative is working to open a brick-and-mortar store in the next few years and features local certified organic produce.
Community Supported Agriculture
Down to Earth Harvest
1585 Winfield Dr., Downingtown
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The growers at Down to Earth Harvest work with a “soil-driven” and “plant-positive” mindset. Each week, a list of available produce goes to members who paid the $100 deposit fee. Fresh produce is available for pickup in Bryn Mawr, Devon, East Goshen, Havertown, Kennett Square, Paoli, Wynnewood and at the farm itself.
The Farm at Oxford
432 S Walnut St., Kennett Square
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The Farm at Oxford is a specialty cut flower farm in Chester County working to provide local and sustainably grown florals to the community. From April to November, you can find Oxford’s flowers at community partners. The mini-retail flower shop is located at worKS in Kennett Square. If you’re looking for a weekly dose of fresh flowers, the Farm at Oxford offers weekly pickups at the farm or at worKS. The three-week CSAs are a popular choice, and anyone interested can choose from April/May or August/September dates.
Highland Orchards
1000 Marshallton Thorndale Rd., West Chester
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If you’re looking for an “all-inclusive” CSA, look no further than Highland Orchards. Vegetable and fruit shares range from $16.85 for a small renewable share up to $318 for a large, 12-time share. Meat shares, flower shares and customizable build-you-own shares are available at weekly, bi-weekly and monthly intervals.
Kimberton CSA
415 W. Seven Stars Rd., Phoenixville
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This 10-acre, biodynamic garden was founded in 1987 and was the first CSA in Pennsylvania. The harvest typically lasts 26 weeks, running from late spring through Thanksgiving. Shares vary every week depending on the harvest and the season and start at $550 for a partial share and $1,040 for a full share.
Pennypack Farm & Education Center
685 Mann Rd., Horsham
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Every week, Pennypack invites its members to its market-style farm for pickups, during which members can choose their own produce, which changes throughout the year. A mini share of four units a week starts at $528, a regular share of six units is $696 and a large share of nine units is $1,032. Summer shares are sold out for 2023, but winter shares are still available.
Thornbury Farm Market and CSA
1256 Thornbury Rd., West Chester
Thornbury Farm Market works to uphold the traditions of using sustainable practices to produce crops free from added hormones and antibiotics. Expect everything from fresh fruits and veggies to local cheeses, honey and even extra virgin olive oil. As part of the CSA, from June through October members receive weekly baskets of the year’s harvest. Half-share memberships start at $390 while full-share memberships start at $700.
Related: Where to Pick Your Own Fruit Around the Main Line
