11 Seattle-Area CSAs for Families to Join Now
Photo:
River Run Farm in Sequim, Wash.
CSAs serving Puget Sound–area families
1. SnoValley Gardens
Run by a husband and wife team in Redmond, SnoValley Gardens keeps its operations low-key and down to earth — literally. The goal is to get back to the old ways of farming, from revitalizing the land with regenerative soil management to growing long-forgotten flavors. Organic veggies and pasture-raised eggs fill abundant harvest boxes: a full share at $875 will feed a family of four, with half-shares available for smaller households. Egg share members receive a dozen eggs every week. The season runs for 18 weeks, June–September, beginning with greens and root crops at the start and followed by the main crops, such as heirloom tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, in July and August. Easy kid faves such as carrots and broccoli also make an appearance throughout the season. Pickup is available at the farm, or at one of the four farmers markets in Bellevue, Kirkland, Magnolia or Mercer Island.
2. Snoqualmie Valley Farmers Cooperative
Snoqualmie Valley Farmers Cooperative is a nonprofit organization that brings together 21 small farms in the Snoqualmie Valley. The co-op supports both individual farmers and the greater farming ecosystem, bringing customers a wider variety of crops. A 14-week veggie subscription starts June 30 and costs $700 ($350 for bi-weekly delivery). Veggie boxes including 7–9 items are delivered straight to your home or workplace within Greater Seattle. Members can add a 17-week fruit share that begins in August and includes 4–5 pounds of organic fruit from the fertile Okanogan Valley — think tree-ripe peaches and pears.
3. River Run Farm
This pretty farm, which grows organic veggies, berries and flowers, is located on the Olympic Peninsula, along the Dungeness River in Sequim. If that sounds like a trek, not to worry: Its Farm Share boxes, packed with fresh-picked (and they do mean fresh — harvested within a day or two) goodness make their way to seven pickup sites around Seattle, with home delivery available in North Seattle and the Phinney Ridge neighborhood. Members typically get 5–7 types of veggies and greens in their box, and can customize their order online according to their preferences. The full-season share, beginning June 12 and running for 22 weeks, is available, starting at around $35 per delivery.
4. Fall City Farms
Known for its pumpkin patch and gorgeous setting along the Snoqualmie River, Fall City Farms got its start selling pumpkins and corn out of a garage in 1991. The organic produce features "familiar items with a twist," with flavorful varieties not available at your local grocery store. The CSA program runs for 16 weeks, June–October, with a weekly share of 7–12 items priced at $450. Pickup is available at the farm as well as at a Seattle location to be announced soon.
Editor's note: On April 4, 2022, Fall City Farms announced that it will not have a CSA this year, but they will be hosting pizza nights, a barn store and U-pick vegetables. Dates and times for these events will be announced on the website.
5. Clean Greens Farm & Market
Founded in 2007 by a group of local African-American small business owners, Clean Greens is a nonprofit operated primarily by volunteers living in Seattle's Central District. The organization provides organic produce for those without access in the Seattle community. Offering two size options, the Clean Greens CSA program runs for 16 weeks, June–October. With prices ranging $480–$640 a share, Clean Greens is an ideal way to support local farmers.
6. Whistling Train Farm
Spread over 15 acres between the railroad tracks in Kent's Green River Valley, Whistling Train has been in business for more than 20 years and prides itself on growing things you can't find in the grocery store. The farm offers a 22-week Main Season CSA share. The shares come in three sizes starting at $450, with pre-packed box pickups available at drop sites in West Seattle, spots in Capitol Hill, Columbia City, North Seattle, U District, Wallingford or at the farm. Members who pick up at the farm can customize their boxes with a market-style setup and all-you-can-pick peas, beans and cut flowers. While the boxes are limited to vegetables, a seasonal honor system farm stand offers fruit and eggs for purchase with a 15 percent discount for all CSA members. Main Season CSA subscribers also have the option to add flowers to their subscriptions to receive a handcrafted bouquet a week for 16 weeks.
