CSA Member Handbook

About the Farm

You’re part of something bigger — a community changing the way food is grown and shared.

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As a member of Living Hope Farm, you’re helping build a stronger, more sustainable local food system. Together, we’re reducing food insecurity and supporting organic, earth-friendly growing practices right here in our region.

‍What Your Membership Means
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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between farmers and members. By joining, you’ve invested in your local farm and the food system it sustains. Each week, you’ll receive a seasonal share of freshly harvested produce — from crisp spring greens to hearty winter roots — all grown from non-GMO seed using chemical-free, sustainable methods.

As a Member, You Enjoy

  • Fresh, flavorful produce picked at peak season
  • A direct connection to the farmers who grow your food
  • The chance to support local agriculture and community health

Thank you for being part of the Living Hope Farm family — together, we’re building a stronger, healthier community — one harvest at a time.

Getting to the Farm

Address:
461 Indian Creek Rd
Harleysville, PA 19438
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Directions

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Parking

When you pull into the farm, follow the driveway to the top of the hill and park in the grass near the farm fence or on the side of the long white building where our CSA distribution room is. Please Do Not Park to the left of the dumpster. Our neighbors, The Indian Creek Foundation, reside in the house on the left side of the driveway at the top of the hill and often have need for emergency vehicles. You will see a ramp where the distribution doors are located. Inside you will find our Market & Distribution area.

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Please be extremely careful when entering or exiting the parking lot. The driveway is narrow, farm equipment may travel in unexpected places, and lots of small children like to pick flowers and explore the farm. Always be aware of your surroundings and drive slowly.

Membership Perks

Each week brings a new harvest to your table! You’ll select your items online from the best and most abundant produce freshly picked from our fields. Enjoy familiar favorites like green beans, potatoes, onions, lettuce, and bell peppers, along with a few seasonal surprises such as kohlrabi and leeks for a little farm-fresh adventure. And if you change your mind on pickup day, our swap table makes it easy to trade for something new!

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As a member, you’ll receive a weekly share (like a veggie subscription) of delicious, chemical-free fruits and vegetables—grown from non-GMO seeds using environmentally friendly methods.

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By participating, you’re not only nourishing your body with nutritious food but also strengthening our community. A portion of every harvest supports local families and food banks through Living Hope Farm’s donation programs.

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CSA Member Perks include:

  • Access to the farm’s self-service market shed
  • Entry to our indoor public market (with 10% off produce items!)
  • Seasonal U-pick opportunities
  • Educational experiences and events on the farm

Add-Ons

Visit the “Subscriptions” tab of your Farmhand dashboard to subscribe to regular add-on shares, from milk and mushrooms, to sausage, bread, coffee, and more!

Add one-time extras to your order by Sunday at 6PM. No need to grab your credit card—we’ll automatically charge the one you have on file.

Public Market

The left side of the share room hosts our market, which is open to the public. Our market has produce grown on the farm, eggs from our pastured chickens, and jarred goods made with our produce and other items from local vendors.

CSA members receive an additional 10% off fresh produce, but that does not apply to jarred goods, eggs, or other market items.

‍Spring Season Hours:
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Tuesdays, 2:00pm-7:00pm
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‍Main Season Hours:
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Tuesdays and Fridays 2:00pm-7:00pm

‍Winter Season Hours
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Tuesdays, 2:00pm-7:00pm

Weekly Ordering

Add items to your order by Sunday at 6pm. If you do not customize your items, you’ll automatically receive our weekly Farmer’s Choice Box

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HOW IT WORKS

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  • Choose your items: Each week, we’ll text and email you when the harvest list opens. Build your box with whatever you’d like—just finalize your cart by 6pm Sunday. If you don’t skip or customize your order, you’ll be automatically enrolled to receive our Farmer’s Choice box for that week.
  • Pickup Weekly: You’ll get a pickup reminder, which includes your pickup window and detailed pickup location instructions, on pickup day. Don’t forget your reusable bags!
  • Enjoy Perks, Recipes & More! Every week, we send recipes, storage tips, and harvest details straight to your inbox so you know exactly how to use everything you ordered. And don’t forget to swing by the Public Market, where members get an extra 10% off produce!

Heading out of town or need to skip a week?

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Please submit vacation holds by Sunday at 6 p.m. so we can adjust your order accordingly. The contents of any delayed shares will be included in your subsequent pickups. All unclaimed shares will be donated after one week to minimize food waste and support our local community.

LATE PICKUP POLICY

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We require notice to retain unclaimed items. With notice, we can accommodate a double share to make up for a missed pickup. Unclaimed items will be donated after 1 week.

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Any pickup changes can be emailed to hello@gofarmhand.com.

Order Pickup (Farm Only)

♻️ Please bring a reusable bag or two to carry your items home.

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When you arrive at the CSA distribution room, there is a table to your right where you will find a member list. A farm volunteer will help you check off that you received your weekly share. If you placed an online order, there will be a printout of your choices on a slip of paper that you can use as you gather your items.

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*If you did not place an order, you will receive a “Farmer’s Choice” share.

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At pickup, items are arranged alphabetically in bins on the tables.

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Each item will have a card identifying it and specifying the quantity to take. There will be times when you will need to weigh out your produce on the scales provided. Sometimes we will use one scale for more than one item, so the scale maybe located a few bins away. If you have any questions, one of the share room volunteers will be happy to assist you.

Swaps & Seconds

SWAP TABLE

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We offer a fully stocked swap table at the beginning of each pickup. The swap table is located next to the cooler in the market area. If you see something on the swap table that you would like, simply place the item you wish to swap on the table and select the new item of your choice. You are more than welcome to swap out as many items as you wish from the Swap Table, but first, please remember to pick them up from the original bins and place them on the swap table.

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‍WHAT ARE SECONDS?

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From time to time, we have slightly blemished but still usable produce, which will be on the bench located next to the door. CSA Members are encouraged to take as much produce from the seconds bin as they wish, but they will need to use it soon to prevent it from spoiling. This helps us reduce food waste.

U-Pick Crops

Some produce items will be offered with a U-Pick option for members who want to get out in the field and receive an even better value. U-Pick crops offer great opportunities to enjoy quiet time in the field alone or as a family. Tasting a fresh green bean or popping a strawberry in your mouth right off the vine is a treat! We do encourage a taste or two, but do ask you to refrain from making a meal of your U-Pick opportunities.

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On your pick-up day, in the distribution area, you will find instructions and locations for crops that are available for U-Pick. For various items, quart or pint containers will be provided for your convenience, but we request that you leave them after picking your share. It is suggested that you bring additional containers with you to transport your delicate produce home after harvesting your measured share. Please ask another CSA member, intern, or the farmer if you are unsure of how to harvest a crop.

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A limited number of clippers are available to use for harvesting. They can be found in the field in a box near U-Pick Crops. Please return them for others to use when you are finished.

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FAQ & Policies

How do I get my share?

We’ll text/email you a pickup reminder every week with specific times, addresses, and location instructions. Don’t forget your reusable bags to take your items home! ♻️

How do I view invoices?

Visit the the “Invoices” tab of your Farmhand dashboard.

How doI

Scroll to the bottom of the “Account” tab in your dashboard to add a new payment method.

What about credits and refunds?

Existing credit balances can be viewed under “Payment Methods” in the account tab in your dashboard. For new credit/refund inquiries, text Farmhand at 707-595-9859

How do I place a vacation hold?

Place a vacation hold through the “Account” tab on your dashboard. This will pause all orders, billing, and notifications until you return.

How do I cancel my subscription?

While we’d hate to see you go, you can easily cancel your membership by clicking “edit” from the “Subscriptions” tab in your Farmhand dashboard.

Member Tips & Resources

Preserve your CSA Veggies

Here are 5 practical ways to preserve your CSA veggies so nothing goes to waste:

  1. Freezing: Chop and blanch veggies like green beans, broccoli, carrots, or leafy greens, then freeze in airtight bags.
  2. Pickling & Fermenting: Cucumbers, radishes, carrots, and cabbage can be pickled or turned into sauerkraut/kimchi. Pickling adds flavor variety and boosts gut health.
  3. Pesto & Sauces: Turn extra greens (spinach, kale, arugula, carrot tops) into pestos or sauces and freeze in ice cube trays for single servings. Perfect for pasta, soups, and quick meals.
  4. Dehydrating: Zucchini chips, dried tomatoes, or even kale chips last months when dried properly. A dehydrator works best, but your oven on low heat works too.
  5. Canning: Make tomato sauce, salsa, jams, or even canned beets and beans. Water-bath canning for high-acid foods, pressure canning for low-acid veggies.

Storage Cheat Sheet

Keep in the Fridge

  • Greens: in a sealed container or plastic bag with a dry towel t, and enhances longevity.
  • Herbs: in a jar with a little water, loosely covered
  • Roots (carrots, beets, radishes): remove tops ⟶ store in bags

Keep on the Counter

  • Tomatoes
  • Winter squash
  • Onions & garlic
  • Potatoes (dark, cool spot)

Quick Wins

  • Wash greens right away
  • Chop & store in clear containers
  • Roast a tray of mixed veggies on Day 1
  • Freeze herbs in olive oil cubes
  • Save veggie scraps for broth

“Use It Up” Ideas

Fast, Flexible Meal Ideas For Any Week:

  • Sheet Pan Dinner: Toss any veggies + olive oil + salt. Roast.
  • Veggie Fried Rice: Leftover rice + chopped veg + egg or tofu.
  • 15-Minute Soup: Sauté onions + any veggies + broth. Done.
  • Quick Pickles: Radishes, onions, cukes.
  • Smoothies: Spinach, kale stems, fruit.
  • Frittatas: Eggs + leftover veggies.
  • CSA Quesadillas: Spinach, peppers, squash, onions, mushrooms — anything tucked into a tortilla with cheese.
  • Veggie Pasta Toss: Sauté onions + any chopped veg + garlic → toss with pasta, butter/olive oil, and parmesan.