Fresh, Local, Sustainable Food for NE Iowa Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to plan my family's meals around what comes in my box?
A: Not knowing exactly what will be in your box each week can be a bit challenging at first. Many
shareholders look at their weekly vegetables, and then plan to visit the grocery
store to fill in items that will complement the produce. Also, we publish our newsletter with crop
projections and recipes on this site the Sunday before each delivery. You will find that, with a bit
of experience, you will find ways that work for you. And you will look forward to the "surprise"
you will receive each week.
Q: What happens if you have a crop failure? Will I still get a box that week?
A: You will still get a box even if we have a crop totally shut down. It is unlikely that we would
have our whole farm crash unless we got a devastating hail storm or tornado. Occasionally,
weather on harvest days is rotten enough for us to postpone harvest - and delivery - for a day. But
you will always get a box as promised.
The Farm Shares program is centered around a relationship between us as growers and you as consumers. Within this relationship, we develop an understanding of each others' needs and challenges. We understand your need for a regular source of good food and we do our very best to supply you with a wide variety of produce each week. But we cannot control the weather, which has a sometimes large effect on our harvest. We ask that you understand this as well, knowing that we are doing our very best in your interest. So, we all share in the challenges of producing your food and also share in the bounty.
Q: What if I get something in my box which I cannot identify?
A: First, check the list of contents
in your newsletter to see if it is identified there. We also recommend Asparagus to Zucchini, a
vegetable resource manual and cookbook designed just for Farm Shareholders like you. If you are still unsure as to what the iten is, contact us. You can also give if a little
nibble. We are happy to help with items that are unfamiliar to you.
Q: Can I get a Farm Share box every other week?
A: Yes, you can; This year we are offering an 'alternate-week share' that you can choose to have a box delivered every other week instead of weekly.
Q: Can I share a Farm Share with others?
A: Some folks do exactly this, and we have no problem with it. We will pack a box as usual, and
you can work out how to share the contents. We would like to know the names of the sharing
families so we can add everyone to our contact lists. Just indicate on the Farm Share Order Form
the names of all parties involved and you are all set!
Q. Can I change my share size during the season?
A. Yep. Just let us know, and we'll shift you to a smaller or larger size as needed. You'll just pay -
or be credited - the difference between the share prices for the weeks you'll be receiving the new
size.
Q. Can I request specific vegetables in my box?
A. A Farm Share is just that - a fair share of what we produce, for a fair price. The share boxes
themselves are a set assortment of vegetables; we just can't accomodate every specific preferences BUT...we do have an Exchange Box at each delivery site. By using the Exchange Box, you can
jettison a less-favorite vegetable in favor of one you like more . You may also purchase vegetables
to supplement your share via our online store!
Q. How do I choose which Farm Share size I need?
A. Everyone's appetite and cooking schedule is a bit different, but here are some general
recommendations:
Standard shares generally work for:
Couples or small families who eat most dinners at home
Single people with larger appetites or who freeze small amounts some weeks
Sharing between two single people or couples who eat out more.
Small shares generally work for:
Couples or small families who eat out more frequently
Single people
Sharing between two single people who just want a "sampler"
Large shares generally work for:
Large families with 5 or more eaters.
Sharing between two smaller families or among several people at a workplace
