Rent a 200 square foot plot of Medway Community Farm land.  Rent includes composted, prepared soil available as early as April 15^th with access to water and tools until October 31^st.

Cost: $175

Email our farm manager, Brittany Sidway at bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org and reserve your plot today! 

Put "Garden Plot" in the subject line.

Tuesday 2-7pm

Saturday 10:30am-2:30pm

Our farm stand will be stocked with a variety of seasonal produce, harvested that morning or the evening before.  We will also have cut flowers for sale during farm stand hours.  A pick-your-own flower, vegetable and herb garden will be maintained near the parking area and will be open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.

This year, vegetables will only be available for sale when a staff member or volunteer is available to be at the stand.

We will be inviting additional vendors to join us at our farmstand and wil hold on farm educational activities for adults and children during the farm stand hours (schedule TBA).

What’s in a share?

Each week from the end of June until the beginning of September you will receive a bouquet of flowers grown on our farm.  Flowers will be harvested the morning of pick up.

Some flowers that will be grown include: calendula, cosmos, marigolds, zinnia, sun flower, amaranth, statice, straw flower, black eyed Susan, daisy, pin cushion, salpiglossis, snap dragon, sweet pea, yarrow, bachelors buttons, lily, ageratum, larkspur, gomphrena, dahlia and more.  Bouquets will be styled based on colors and varieties that are available.

How much will a share cost?

A share is $150 for 16 weeks (potentially longer, depending on the weather).  Each bouquet will be between a 10 and 15 dollar value.

You can also buy a half share, for $80.  You will pick up a bouquet every other week.

Flowers make a great gift!!

Why buy flowers?

Flowers are beautiful

It is another way to support the farm besides buying vegetables

Flowers are a good crop for organic farms to have in rotation

Flowers will help support Medway’s Bees

A summer of flowers is a wonderful gift

Thank you for your interest in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership at Medway Community Farm.  We are striving to develop a working farm that enhances Medway's rural character, enriches our community, and provides a setting for outdoor and farm education for all ages.  We are reaching out, in our second year with a full-time farmer, to community members who believe in what we do and are willing and able to support our growth.  

The CSA model is a farm business plan in which individuals are able to pre-purchase a portion (usually referred to as a share) of the farm's harvest.  In our case, it is either $300 or $550 worth of vegetables to be distributed on a weekly basis for 25 weeks.  By paying in advance, individuals enable us to afford the supplies, tools and labor needed to grow your food without incurring significant debt. 

By purchasing a share you are committing to the realities of a local harvest, and to the farm itself, adjusting your diet week by week to include all the fresh, healthy vegetables the farm is able to produce at that time.  It takes some commitment on the part of the shareholder to be ready to cook a few nights a week, look up recipes (or be willing to try the ones provided by the farmer and other members), and the rewards are well worth the effort.
 
It is empowering to nurture yourself and your loved ones with vegetables that were grown in an ecologically and socially responsible way.  Please read more about the CSA we are planning for next year in the following paragraphs.  If you have any further questions, or would simply like to discuss farm or food related topics and issues please do no hesitate to contact our farm manager, Brittany Sidway, at bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org.

To Sign Up: Email our Farm Manager Brittany at bsidway@medwaycommunityfarm.org.

What’s in a share?

Each week you will receive vegetables that have been grown on the farm.  This means all vegetables will be fresh and seasonal.  We are buying some winter squash and potatoes to include in the share that have been grown by Gretta Anderson at Moraine Farm because we do not have enough room for these sprawling crops.  Each share will be as balanced as possible, providing a variety of vegetables.  One whole share is enough for a family of 4 who eats a vegetable side or salad with 4-5 meals/week, or two people who love veggies! The half share is meant for families with less time to cook or fewer family members.

Choice:  Based on surveys from last season, we are attempting to add more choice to the CSA.  When you come to the farm to pick up your produce, there will be some choices about what you take.  Remember, a CSA is not a grocery store, and part of the benefit of membership is being able to try new vegetables.  Nearly 100% of members who responded to our survey last season said they learned to love new vegetables because of the farm!

2012 CSA Description

Full Vegetable CSA Share $550 Begins the last week of May, ends Mid November.  Each week will provide an average of $22 worth of food to be picked up at the farm.  This share will be slightly larger than the full share last season ($2 more/week), and will run for 25 weeks instead of just 20.  We try to balance our shares based on what is in season.   We will be including more winter squash, carrots and potatoes this season, as well as adding corn, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts to the crop plan. 

Example July 30^th Share: 3lbs tomatoes, 5lbs cukes, zukes, peppers, eggplants (you choose which ones), two bunches of herbs (choice basil, parsley, cilantro), a head of lettuce, a bunch of carrots, 2 pints of cherry tomatoes, a bunch of fresh onions.  There will also be chard, beets and scallions on the table as trades.

Half Vegetable CSA Share $300 Begins the last week of May, ends Mid November.  Each week will provide an average of $11 worth of food to be picked up at the farm.  This share will be slightly more than half of a share last season and will go for 25 weeks instead of just 20.  The “half share” will not be half bunches, or cabbages cut in half – it will be $11 worth of our standard bunched/bagged/sized vegetables with choice options.

Example July 30^th Share:  1 lbs tomatoes, 2 lbs cukes, zukes, peppers, eggplants (you choose which ones), one bunch of herbs (choice basil, parsley, cilantro), a head of lettuce, a bunch of carrots, one pint cherry tomatoes.

Pick Your Own (in addition to a full or half share) $50 Each week will provide the opportunity to harvest a little bit extra yourself.  Crops in the pick your own section will include peas, beans, cherry tomatoes, herbs, sometimes flowers and husk cherries.  The farmer will let you know what is available to pick each week and you will receive instruction on where and how to pick.  For example, on July 30^st you might pick: a pint of cherry tomatoes and a quart of beans.  The next week you might pick: a pint of plum tomatoes and a bunch of flowers.  This is a great way to get more of these summer delights while getting your hands (and your children’s hands) busy in the field.  Other crops that might be included: kale, chard, broccoli shoots, spinach.

More Example Full Shares:

Spring
2 heads lettuce
bunch of beets
bunch of radish
Choice: bunch of kale or bunch of arugula
1/2 lb spinach
bunch of scallions
Choice: 2 kohlrabi or two bok choi
2 pints of peas
 
Summer
Head of lettuce
Bunch of Swiss Chard
1 lb tomatoes and 2 pints cherry tomatoes
Choice: Mix and match: 4 lbs cucumber, zucchini, eggplant
Choice: 1 bunch basil or 1 bunch cilantro
1 bunch sweet onions
1 lb sweet peppers
1 bunch carrots

 
Fall
2 Heads lettuce
Choice: Pick two: 1 bunch carrots, 1 bunch beets, 1 bunch turnips
1 celery root
1 bunch leeks
Choice: 1 bunch kale or 1/2 lb spinach
2.5 lb potatoes
3-4 onions
2 lbs winter squash
1 lb broccoli 

When is pick up?

Distribution days will be Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 to 7:00, and Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. 

Where is pickup?

Pickup will be at the farm 50 Winthrop St.

What if I am away for the week?

It is perfectly fine to change your pick up day, but you must email the farm manager by 6pm the day before your designated pick up day, or the day you choose to pick up on, whichever comes first.  You may also have someone pick up your share for you, or the farm will donate your share for the week to a local food pantry.

How do we determine the value of our vegetables?

Prices used to calculate the value of vegetables in each share will be based on prices in grocery stores and those used by other local, small organic farms.  We believe healthy, sustainably grown food should be available to all and will strive to price our produce fairly.

 How do I reserve a share?

It is most helpful to the farm if you are able to pay in full as early as possible.  We are able to use the money to buy things like seeds, potting soil, compost, irrigation materials, and tools that will be needed as early as February.  A payment of $150 will reserve a half share and $275 will reserve a full share.  The share must be paid for, in full, by April 15th.

Why are payments needed so far in advance?

The reason the CSA model benefits a farm, especially a startup farm, is that the profit from the sale of shares can be used to buy seeds, tools, supplies and labor needed to grow the vegetables from the start.  Because we will start planting seeds as early as the last week of February we will need to have purchased a lot of our supplies by then.

Why is the CSA model and financial support so crucial for a startup farm like us?

We are a non-profit farm.  We are the result of a grassroots effort to promote sustainable agriculture in Medway and have achieved great success with very few resources.  We rely on CSA funds to operate each season, and would not be able to have a farm without the important up front investment of people like you.

What if I decide I want to cancel my share?

If at any point after making a reservation, and before distribution begins, you decide would like to give up your share the farm will try to sell you share.  If it can be sold before the distribution begins you will be refunded all but a $25 processing fee.  If you decide you do not want to continue receiving your share during the distribution season the farm cannot be responsible for the re-sale of your share nor can your money be refunded.  You are welcome to sell your share on your own at any point.

Vegetables we will grow:

Arugula

Radishes

Japanese Turnips

Spinach

Kale

Broccoli

Peas

Scallions

Cabbage

Napa Cabbage

Kohlrabi

Salad Mix

Lettuce

Carrots

Beets

Endive

Escarole

Fennel

Bok Choy

Cucumber

Zucchini

Summer Squash

Eggplant

Peppers

Tomatoes

Beans

Potatoes

Onions

Garlic

Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet Corn

Melons

Watermelons

Tomatillos

Swiss Chard

Basil

Parsley

Dill

Cilantro

Parsnip

Sweet Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts

Winter Squash

Rutabaga

Turnips

We cannot guarantee quantity of each of these vegetables you will receive, but they will all be planted in an attempt to include them in at least one of your weekly shares.

MCF T-shirts:

MCF T-Shirts (sizes XS - XL):

Adult - Green or Tie Dye (New!): $20

Youth - Green or Tie Dye: $20

 MCF 2012 Photo Calendar:

(roll over to see alternative images)

MCF 2012 Calendar featuring the three winning photo contest entries: $15

For any questions on the merchandise or trouble placing an order, please contact Jackie Mellen (JMellen@MedwayCommunityFarm.org).

 http://katescarlata.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/edible-education/

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Medway Community Farm provides eduational opportunites for Medway and the surrounding communities.If you are interested in connecting your students to Medway Community Farm in 2011 or 2012 please contact Education Chair, Deborah Kreiser-Francis, at deborahk11@yahoo.com

Today Medway Community Farm has 620 supporters and will enter its second year as a community farm.  We are ready to grow food, full-time on two acres.  The Farm has recently purchased a greenhouse and tractor (due to donations from farm supporters). The Farm will also continue to provide educational opportunities to Medway and the surrounding communities.

For a behind the scenes look, please scroll down to see how the farm has grown from concept to part-time community farm to first year as a full-time working community farm.

2007  Pre-Town Approval

December 2007
Community Farm Initiative shares the community farm concept with the Community Preservation Committee                       

2008 Pre- Town Approval

January 2008
Town of Medway votes to purchase 50 Winthrop Street for the protection of Open Space with Community Preservation Funds

February 2008
Community Farm Initiative discusses the community farm concept with Town Committees               

March 2008
Press Release is submitted in response to Boston Globe (Metro West) inquiry                                                 

April 2008
Community Farm Initiative performs site walk at 50 Winthrop Street

June 2008
Community Farm Initiative holds public meeting at Senior Center                                                                    

June 2008
Community Farm Initiative meets with Board of Selectmen and listens to concerns  

July 2008
Community Farm Initiatve gives tour of local CSA farms to Board of Selectmen

July 2008
Community Farm Initiative submits answers to Board of Selectmen questions

July 2008
Board of Selectmen approve community farm concept as a "proposed use for 50 Winthrop Street"

September 2008
Board of Selectmen host Public Hearing for discussion of proposed uses at 50 Winthrop Street

November 2008
Special Town Meeting Article: 26 (to change land use to agriculture and education) is passed

November 2008
Community Farm Initiative established 501(c)(3) non-profit, Medway Community Farm, Inc.

2009 Post Town Approval 

January 2009
Town of Medway posts RFP for 50 Winthrop Street

February 2009
Medway Community Farm, Inc. submits proposal

April 2009
Town accepts MCFI's proposal contingent on Conservation Commission approval

May 2009
MCFI sumbits NOI Application to the Conservation Commission

June 2009
MCFI submits RDA Applicaton to the Conservation Commission

October  2009
MCFI receives Town of Medway Conservaton Commission approval.

October 2009
MCFI receives IRS 501 (c)(3) Tax Exempt Status

November 2009
Mr. Briggs of Shady Oaks Farms turns the land.

November 2009
MCFI hosts "Toast to the Farm!"

November 2009
MCFI hosts First Annual Public Meeting.

November 2009
Wellesley College Students visit the Farm and "learn from the land".

November 2009
MCFI winterizes the Farmhouse.

December 2009
MCFI's "Gingerbread Farm" is on display at the Medway Public Library.

December 2009
MCFI submits (2) Grant Proposals 

December 2009
MCFI establishes "Donate Online" Pay Pal Feature on Website


2010 Milestones as a Part-time Community Farm

January - May 2010
Submitted (7) grant applications

January 2010
MCFI begins Farm Manager Networking/Interview Process

January 2010
MCFI evaluates Fundraising Status to determine Farm Mangement Plan for 2010

February 2010
MCFI meets with Farming Advisory Board and Non-Profit Consultant to identify Farm Management Plan options for 2010

February 2010
Hired part-time Farm Manager, Brittany Sidway to grow food on 1/4 acre

March 2010
Held community outreach meeting gained (24) MCF Volunteers

March 2010
Took down and disposed of dilapidated barn so public has access to open space
purchased with Community Preservation Comittee funds

March-May 2010
Held three Farm Workshops:
Composting Workshop; How to Make Garden Beds; How to Build Potato Beds

April 2010
Medway Community Farm first Annual 5K Run/Walk hosts 200 participants!

April-May 2010
Planted Seeds and Seedlings // 50 Volunteers logged in 150 hours!

April 2010
Dug and replaced water line so 50 Winthrop Street has access to water

May 2010
Collaborated with Medway Continuing Education to provide (2) Spring Classes:
Food for Thought; Let's Clean Naturally

May 2010
Established 4th Grade "School to Farm" project

May 2010
Established Middle School Green Team "School to Farm" project

June 2010
Built Farm Stand

June- Oct 2010
Harvested and sold food for farm stand, farmers market

July 2010
Received funding from the Nickelodeon- Big Help Grant for the Green Team "School to Farm" project

July - August 2010
Donated food to Medway Food Pantry

August 2010
Collaborated with Medway Library // 4-H Summer Science Program

September 2010
Hired Brittany Sidway as full-time Farm Manager for 2011

September 2010
Established "After School Program for Middle Schoolers" at the Farm

September 2010
Farm Fall Potluck!

October 2010
Now On Sale! 2011 CSA Food Shares, 2011 Flower Shares, 2011 Garden Plots

October 2010
MCF purchases greenhouse and will collaborate with the Medway Middle School Green Team
to plant the Farm's starts.

October 2010
Collaborated with Medway Continuing Education to provide (2) Fall Classes:
Beatrix Potter Nature/Art; Build Your Own Terrarium

October 2010
Offered (2) Fall Workshops at the Farm: How to Grow Garlic, Put your Garden to Rest

October 17, 2010
Fall Festival Fundraiser at the Farm

October 30, 2010
Whole Foods Fundraiser. Shop at Whole Foods/Support the Farm!

November 2010
MCF Farm Manager, Brittany Sidway, puts 2010 Gardens to bed and prepares for the 2011 Season!

November 2010
The Town of Medway voted in favor to allocate $50,000 of Community Preservation Funds to fund house repairs for the Town owned structure at 50 Winthrop Street. The Town of Medway and Medway Community Farm have collaborated with Tri-County Regional Technical School to perform the house repairs which include new roof, windows, siding, updating electric and plumbing. Goals for the house include providing a caretaker unit for MCF Farm Manager, Brittany Sidway and making the house handicap accessible to the public.

November 2010
MCF receives grant funding from New England Grassroots Environment Fund

December 2010
MCF has purchased a tractor to turn the land this Spring. A farm supporter has provided the Farm with a no interest loan and instead of repayment has asked Medway Community Farm to forward annual payments in lieu of a donation to the Carrot Project, an organization that creates financing solutions for small and mid-sized farms.


December 7, 2010
Medway Community Farm / Annual Public Meeting/ 7:00pm / Medway Public Library


2011 Milestones as a Full-time Community Farm

January 2011
MCF submits (2) grant applications for the 2011 grant cycle.

March 2011
Medway Community Farm hosts, Film Festival Fundraiser, screening of King Corn.

April 2011
Medway Community Farm is on display at the Medway Public Library, in the Children's Library, the entire month of April.

April 2011
On behalf of Medway Community Farm, Medway resident and Health Coach, Kelly O'Rourke, submits a grant application through her gradutate school, SUNY-Purchase. The seed grant would support the launch of MCF's food education program: "Garden to Table" as well as help repair the Medway Community Kitchen where food classes could be held on site.

May 2011
2nd Annual Medway Community Farm 5K Run/Walk fundraiser hosts 190 participants.

May 2011
MCF sells all CSA shares and garden plots. 150 familes and farm supporters have come together to support the Farm in its first year as a full time farm. (100) Vegetable Shares, (10) Flower Shares and (12) Garden Plots are sold. 

May 2011
MCF launches  pilot program: Summer Mornings on the Farm from June-August for children ages 3 1/2-12.

June 2011                                                                                                                                         Medway 4th Graders via the Community Service Learning Program harvest food from their garden plot, sell their harvest at the farm stand and donate proceeds to the Farm.

June 2011
Summer Interns arrive at the Farm.

August 2011                                                                                                                                            MCF submits (2) grant applications for the 2011/2012 grant cycle.

August 2011                                                                                                                                  
Late Fall CSA Shares on SALE -  vegetables, eggs, coffee beans.

September 2011
Tri-County students return to the farm to complete house repair projects.

October 2011
Luminary Bags on SALE, October 1st - October 29th.

October 2011
Shady Oaks Farm/Coots Tractor Pull- Sunday, 10/16 10am
Medway Community Farm/Fall Festival - Sunday, 10/16 1-4pm 

October 2011
Fall Potluck and Luminary Lighting in the Gardens - Saturday 10/29 4-6pm