Week of January 17th

My Dear Community,

Happy MLK Jr. Day! “Our lives end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” This is one of many beautiful quotes by which to remember Martin Luther King Jr. today, and every day. I think it also resonates with me in the movement for organic food grown with the soil in mind. Choosing organic is a proactive stance, a vocalization against harmful pesticides and detrimental farming practices. In this movement, our voices and choices call for an active, purposeful life lived in harmony with our convictions. 

I had to step back and laugh at myself a little. Last week I was confident that our egg production would increase. Our newest flock just started laying and we were on a roll. Then the chickens must have checked the weather report because they came to a sudden halt about a week ago. I’m definitely a little TOO used to the California sunshine because I always neglect to think about January where the temperatures start to dip into freezing. For as long as I’ve been doing this my mind always wants to skip right back into spring after the holidays. I’ve loaded up the chicken coops with hay for warmth and we’ll revisit this when they feel like laying again.

Last week we were slated to put brussels sprouts into the boxes. It’s reasonable to look out at 6000 plants and think there would be plenty. But after walking the field and picking what was available, it was very apparent that they aren’t ready yet. You wouldn’t know it by looking at the plant, but when you bend over to harvest it feltsmushy – no bulk yet inside. Everything slows down with the temperatures lowering. This will be the first CSA box in a while with no lettuce. I’m getting creative and am already thinking about different kinds of salads to make with cabbage, kale and other things that are available to try something new. Take a peek below at our recipes for inspiration.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
NAPPA CABBAGE
BROCCOLI
RED ONIONS
SATSUMA TANGERINES
BABY SPINACH from SUNRISE ORGANICS
LACINATO KALE
HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
ARUGULA
SPAGHETTI SQUASH
BIG ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, CARROTS, MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES, RED BEETS, SATSUMA TANGERINES

JUST the BASICS:
SATSUMA TANGERINES
CARROTS
BABY SPINACH
NAPPA CABBAGE
HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
BROCCOLI

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI LADY APPLES
CELERY
FENNEL
BABY SPINACH
LACINATO KALE
CILANTRO
SATSUMA TANGERINES

FRUIT EXPANSION: FUJI LADY APPLES + SATSUMA TANGERINES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of January 17th”

Week of January 10th

My dear Community,

I wanted to be the first to let you know that our amazing bread baker is now back in action from her vacation. Sydney has a small production, working out of San Julian ranch, where she resides. She’s baking us delicious and equally beautiful loaves of 100% organic sourdough and seeded sourdough breads. If you’ve seen them, you know what a work of art they are. If you’d like to guarantee a loaf, please sign up on a weekly (or bi-weekly basis) with no commitment. We offer a few loaves in our store when available as well but they tend to sell out quickly. 

We are oh-so-slowly starting to add new egg subscriptions. If you’re on the waitlist I anticipate us picking up in February. We’re adding to our flocks this year in hopes to maintain our subscriptions through 2024. 

A quick note that we have added a fifty cent charge to all of our group delivery locations. Any locations that were already assessed a fee will not have any changes. This helps keep up with wages for our employees, especially our delivery people who tend to work a 10 hour day on Wednesdays to get it all done. 

I hope you’re enjoying getting back into the swing of things. It felt a little challenging for me to get back the ol’ routine, but a box of veggies coming home with me every week makes it all worthwhile. When I’m eating more whole foods and less foods from a package, my whole world feels a bit easier to navigate.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
RED CABBAGE
CAULIFLOWER
BROCCOLI
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
GARNET YAMS
LEEKS
CILANTRO
SATSUMA TANGERINES from GLEN ANNIE ORGANICS
BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, CARROTS, HEIRLOOM TOMATOES, FUJI APPLES, BUTTERNUT SQUASH

*please note that we have to start picking the brussels before I can tell for sure that we have enough. A substitution may occur without warning

JUST the BASICS:
BROCCOLI
CARROTS
RED CABBAGE
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
SATSUMA TANGERINES
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
PINK LADY APPLES
CELERY
FENNEL
BABY SPINACH
LACINATO KALE
CILANTRO
SATSUMA TANGERINES

FRUIT EXPANSION: PINK LADY APPLES + SATSUMA TANGERINES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of January 10th”

Happy New Year 2024

My dear Community,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I was able to relax and check off some tasks- cleaned the chicken coops, sorted through boxes, feng shui my house, planned the year’s projects and more. It felt really good to accomplish what I felt I didn’t have time for otherwise. 

I reach out today with a renewed commitment to our CSA program. It’s always nice to take a few weeks off to gain some perspective and clarity around all the work we do. At times (especially towards the end of the year) it can feel heavy and non-stop. But being able to step back reminds me how much I love the work we do. We have access to some of the best tasting, super nutritious food in the country and I’m so honored to bring it to each and every one of you. In a culture where our own government supports and promotes packaged, processed junk foods at every level, from subsidizing corn, wheat and soy farms to the grocery shelves, I come offering a humble box of whole foods from your local Farmacy. 

I’m so excited to get started afresh and looking forward to a New Year crammed full of good food, connection and health. I don’t have the exact list yet for the contents of our CSA boxes as the farm is on holiday today, but please see my best guess below. We’re coming back with a BANG. Check back in tomorrow for any final updates. 

***Our bread baker is still on vacation. We’ll return to providing the most delicious and equally beautiful loaves of sourdough next week.

***All of our boxes dropped at group delivery locations will now be assessed a fifty-cent delivery fee. (Some locations were already being assessed this fee and nothing will change). This helps me continue to raise wages for our employees.

Be good to each other. 

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
RED CABBAGE
BROCCOLI
WHITE CAULIFLOWER
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
RED BEETS
SATSUMA TANGERINES from GLEN ANNIE ORGANICS
FUJI APPLES from AVILA FAMILY FARM
YELLOW ONIONS
YELLOW HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
BIG BOX ADD: ROMAINE LETTUCE, CARROTS, FUJI APPLES, GARNET YAMS, LACINATO KALE

JUST the BASICS:
YELLOW HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
CARROTS
SATSUMA TANGERINES
RED BEETS
BROCCOLI
WHITE CAULIFLOWER

* We are short on lettuce and loaded with tomatoes this week.

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
LACINATO KALE
CELERY
RED BEETS
RED BABBAGE
SATSUMA TANGERINES
ITALIAN PARSLEY

FRUIT EXPANSION: TANGERINES + FUJI APPLES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: NOT AVAILABLE THIS WEEK ONLY

Continue reading “Happy New Year 2024”

Last CSA box of the year

My dear Community,

As we approach the final box of the year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the seasons. This year has been a testament to the power of gratitude, the beauty of hard work and the strength of community.

First and foremost, I express my deepest gratitude for each and every one of you. Your commitment to supporting local, sustainable agriculture has helped to carry on our work here on the farm. Your appreciation for fresh, organic produce is the heartbeat of this CSA project. Thanks for choosing us to be your farmers.

Community is at the core of what we do. Seeing our CSA family grow and connect has been one of the best parts of this journey. Whether it’s sharing recipes, exchanging cooking tips or just hearing the ripple effects of a CSA box landing in its final destination.

As we take a brief pause for the last two weeks of December to recharge and prepare for the upcoming year, I want to express our heartfelt thanks. Your support sustains not just our farm, but a way of life centered around health, sustainability and shared abundance.

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, connection and of course the bounty that’s coming your way. I stocked the store with some extra bread in case you need to double up to hold you through the new year. If you’re receiving a bi-weekly box this week your next delivery isn’t scheduled until January 10th. If you’d like to receive a box starting on January 3rd, just shoot me a quick email.

Don’t forget to give the gift of the CSA this year. Visit our website and grab yourself a certificate and we’ll do the rest.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
ROMAINE LETTUCE
BROCCOLI
WHITE CAULIFLOWER
CARROTS
LACINATO KALE
ITALIAN PARSLEY
BUNCHED SPINACH
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
SATSUMA TANGERINES from GLEN ANNIE ORGANICS
RED ONIONS
BIG BOX ADD: RED LEAF LETTUCE, CARROTS, ARUGULA, BUTTERNUT SQUASH, TANGERINES

JUST the BASICS:
BUNCHED SPINACH
CARROTS
WHITE CAULIFLOWER
BROCCOLI
SATSUMA TANGERINES
ROMAINE LETTUCE

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
PINK LADY APPLES
LACINATO KALE
FENNEL
ITALIAN PARSLEY
GREEN CABBAGE
BUNCHED SPINACH
SATSUMA TANGERINES

FRUIT EXPANSION: PINK LADY APPLES + TANGERINES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED BUTTER
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Last CSA box of the year”

Week of December 6th

My dear Community,

We are in the home stretch of the year. Just two more weeks of CSA boxes and we’ll be closed the last two weeks of December. We’ll be back in action the first week of January. This break is for the farm too, as chickens are barely laying any eggs, crop harvest has slowed to a crawl and so it always feels like a great opportunity to take a break from the hustle and focus on loved ones. 

As each year seems to go by more quickly than the last I realized we’ve been doing this for over 12 years now. It seems like yesterday when John Givens gave me the opportunity to take over this community supported agriculture program. We’ve grown from 40 boxes to over 400 (about double that during COVID!) and I am so grateful for each and every one of you. Organic farming is not just a lifestyle, but it’s a passion and it wouldn’t be complete without the community that surrounds us. I’m always excited about what’s going to happen in the new year, but with so much uncertainty about the future of small farms, it’s going to be really interesting to see how it evolves over the next few years. One thing is for sure, we’re here to support YOU as our surrounding community and will continue to do so via our farmers markets and CSA.

We’re headed into all the winter crops with tomatoes hanging on for dear life. I don’t expect them to continue much longer. But we’re starting to see things like tangerines (this week!), local apples and all the greens to keep us going strong this winter. 

If you know anyone who would benefit from a box of fresh organic veggies, make sure to gift them a certificate. You can find them on our website for purchase. 

Be good to each other. 

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
YELLOW CHERRY TOMATOES
YELLOW ONIONS
BROCCOLI
SPAGHETTI SQUASH
RED MUSTARD GREENS
GREEN CABBAGE
GARLIC
SATSUMA TANGERINES
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
BIG BOX ADD: SATSUMA TANGERINES, CARROTS, ROMAINE LETTUCE, BUNCHED SPINACH, DELICATA SQUASH

JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
YELLOW CHERRY TOMATOES
BROCCOLI
GREEN CABBAGE
SATSUMA TANGERINS
RED BUTTER LETTUCE

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
GRANNY SMITH APPLES
LACINATO KALE
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS
CILANTRO
CELERY X2
BABY SPINACH
RED BELL PEPPERS

FRUIT EXPANSION: PINK LADY APPLES + SATSUMA TANGERINES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: ROMAINE
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of December 6th”

Week of November 29th

My dear Community,

We have three more weeks of boxes until we close for the winter holiday. We will be closed December 20/21 & 27/28th. It’s always amazing how quickly the year flies by. 2023 marks our 13th year of the CSA program!

Over the years the CSA program has been highlighted more and more as a valuable resource for local food distribution. A lot of local stores will not be purchasing from us anymore due to a “food safety” standard that has been set by corporate America. Standards that seem to create more jobs for paperwork and companies that sell us the supplies. My definition of food safety is keeping biodiversity in true harmony with tending to the soil, crop rotations and keeping the ecosystem of animals in the beautiful dance that nature intended. Practices like these have kept food safe for thousands of years. We are fortunate enough to be able to continue to offer our produce through the CSA program and our local farmer’s markets. 

Consider the gift of veggies this holiday season. Add on an epic loaf of fresh baked sourdough bread or local mushrooms to complete the deal. Just log into our website here to get started. We’ll send out the message on your selected day and get the giftee going in the new year. 

We continue to be extremely short on eggs as they are also seasonal. Our newest flock just started laying and I hope to be caught up in the new year. When chickens first start laying, the eggs are about half of their normal size, it takes a while for them to really get going. If you are on our waitlist, we will notify you as soon as they’re available again.

Be good to each other.  

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
WHITE CAULIFLOWER
GREEN CABBAGE
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
LACINATO KALE
FRENCH BREAKFAST RADISHES
ROMAINE LETTUCE
GARNET YAMS
RED ONIONS
BABY SPINACH
BIG ADD: CARROTS, RED LEAF LETTUCE, YELLOW CHERRY TOMATOES, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, BROCCOLI

JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
ROMAINE LETTUCE
CAULIFLOWER
BABY SPINACH
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
RED ONIONS

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
PINK LADY APPLES
LACINATO KALE
GREEN CABBAGE
CILANTRO
FENNEL
BUNCHED SPINACH
SATSUMA TANGERINES

FRUIT EXPANSION: FUYU PERSIMMONS + SATSUMA TANGERINES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED LEAF
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of November 29th”

Week of Thanks Givens

My dear Community,

I can’t help but let my thanks overflow this week for so many things, but especially for the community that helps keep this CSA program running. Our CSA van died a few weeks ago and our wonderful mechanic Tom took his own time to replace the water pump and get our 10+ year old van running (and even passing smog). Many thanks to the people who host pick up sites and ensure our box distribution runs smoothly. Of course, a huge thanks to the farm workers who are out in the fields 6 days a week, planting, tending and harvesting our food to eat. Sending love to my CSA staff who show up every week to help put our boxes together. There’s so many moving parts that go into making our program run each week, which includes YOU supporting local, organic food grown with the soil in mind. 

We have great seasonal items like local walnuts in shell, brussels sprouts, broccoli, sweet potatoes, persimmons, sourdough bread, strawberry jam and more in our CSA store if you’d like any additional items for your lineup this week without waiting in line. 

Thanks again for being part of our program. We couldn’t do it without you.

Be good to each other.

Carolyn

CSA Box Contains:
CARROTS
WHITE CAULIFLOWER
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
YELLOW ONIONS
SWEET POTATOES (GARNET YAM)
ITALIAN PARSLEY
BABY SPINACH
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
BROCCOLI
BIG BOX ADD: CARROTS, ROMAINE LETTUCE, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, YUKON GOLD POTATOES, LACINATO KALE

JUST the BASICS:
CARROTS
WHITE CAULIFLOWER
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
RED BUTTER LETTUCE
SWEET POTATOES
BABY SPINACH

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
FUJI APPLES
LACINATO KALE
GREEN CABBAGE
ITALIAN PARSLEY
FENNEL
BUNCHED SPINACH
VALENCIA ORANGES

Continue reading “Week of Thanks Givens”

Week of November 15th

My dear Community,

It’s cold enough in Buellton overnight now that all of our summer crops are put to winter’s rest. Luckily, we’re still cashing in on late tomatoes from our Goleta farm. It always feels like a tough transition when strawberries are no longer available for CSA boxes but it won’t be long before we get sweet tangerines to add some color and sweetness.

We will be making boxes next week- the week before Thanksgiving. If you know you will be out of town or would like to put your box on hold, please do so now. This really helps us plan for harvesting as everything will be a little hectic from now until then. We will take our annual break the last two weeks of December to spend time with family and loved ones. We’ll be back in the new year to kick everyone off on the right foot.

We make it really easy to give the gift of organic vegetables. Gift health to someone in your life. You make the payment and add a personal message and we’ll do the rest. You can even add extras, like a loaf of bread, olive oil, or a cut of locally pastured meat to complete the package. 

Speaking of locally raised meat. We have a limited quantity of beef and lamb from San Julian in the store. I’m doing my best to keep up a stock, but because of recent closures in FDA facilities, it’s harder and harder for smaller businesses to process meat.

Sending love from our family farm to you.

Be good to each other. 

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
ROMAINE LETTUCE
RED ONIONS
GARLIC
BUNCHED SPINACH
MINI SWEET PEPPERS
ARUGULA
SPAGHETTI SQUASH
BROCCOLI
BIG BOX ADD: CHERRY TOMATOES, GREEN LEAF LETTUCE, LACINATO KALE, FUJI APPLES, GARNET STYLE YAMS

JUST the BASICS:
BUNCHED SPINACH
CARROTS
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
ROMAINE LETTUCE
BROCCOLI
MINI SWEET PEPPERS

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
GRANNY SMITH APPLES
LACINATO KALE
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS
CILANTRO
FENNEL
BUNCHED SPINACH
VALENCIA ORANGES

FRUIT EXPANSION: FUYU PERSIMMONS + APPLES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: GREEN LEAF
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS (possibly just shiitake. as the cold weather comes in the mushrooms slowed way down)

Continue reading “Week of November 15th”

Week of November 8th

My dear Community,

This is the first box in a while without fruit. John Givens Farm is mainly a vegetable farm, even though we planted an orchard and try to grow (and eat) as many strawberries as humanly possible in a calendar year. We still have some pears and apples for our fruit expansions but will be looking to Avila soon to get some fresh picked apples for the cooler season. I’m also looking forward to our yearly dose of tangerines from our local source right here in Goleta. 

As we get ready for the last holidays of the year,it feels like the last few months are a blur. Personally, I’m setting an intention to slow down like nature seems to do. During fall and winter it feels like we need to get a little extra sleep even in the midst of the chaos and the holiday push. Sending you an extra nudge to nurture yourself and enjoy the last bits of this year. Here’s wishing you get more time and inspiration to cook at home with all the delicious food from our farm. 

A friendly reminder: if you know you’re going to be gone for Thanksgiving, please don’t wait to put your box on hold. Go ahead and log into your account now. This information will be super helpful as we plan for staffing and harvest Thanksgiving week. We will also be taking our annual break the last two Wednesdays of December (20th and 27th) to reboot and spend some serious quality time with our families.

Be good to each other. 

CSA Contains:
CARROTS
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
RED TOMATOES
RED BELL PEPPERS
BUNCHED SPINACH
GREEN ZUCCHINI (last week for this item)
BROCCOLI
YELLOW ONIONS
YAMS (GARNET STYLE)
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
BIG BOX ADD: RED LEAF LETTUCE, GREEN BEANS, ORANGE KABOCHA SQUASH, ITALIAN PARSLEY, APPLES (from our orchard)

JUST the BASICS:
BUNCHED SPINACH
CARROTS
RED TOMATOES
GREEN LEAF LETTUCE
GREEN ZUCCHINI
RED BELL PEPPERS

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS x2
ROMAINE LETTUCE
GRANNY SMITH APPLES
LACINATO KALE
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS
ITALIAN PARSLEY
FENNEL
BUNCHED SPINACH
VALENCIA ORANGES

FRUIT EXPANSION: PEARS + APPLES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED LEAF
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS (possibly just shiitake. as the cold weather comes in the mushrooms slow way down)

Continue reading “Week of November 8th”

Week of November 1st

My dear Community,

We are finally winding down on a lot of crops. This will be the last week for melons, cucumbers and strawberries, and zucchini and bell peppers are close behind. As temperatures plummet during the night in Buellton we’ll look to our Goleta farm for the bulk of our bounty. The land that never freezes and allows us to cultivate food all year round. I grew up with four distinct seasons, so I have deep gratitude for eating freshly picked produce all year. 

As we approach the holidays, keep us in mind for the gift of giving health. Pair a gift certificate from us with an awesome local cookbook, like this one from Elizabeth Poett @ San Julian farms or this fun family cookbook by Shawn Stevenson @ model health show. Set someone in your life up for success and off on the right foot in the new year. Find the page to access our gift certificates here and we’ll email a personalized message to the giftee along with instructions on how to start up their box. 

A few notes about the holiday season you’ll see on repeat in the coming weeks: if you know you’re going to be gone for Thanksgiving, please don’t wait to put your box on hold. Go ahead and log into your account now. This information will be super helpful as we plan for staffing and harvest Thanksgiving week. We will also be taking our annual break the last two Wednesdays of December to reboot and spend some serious quality time with our families.

Be good to each other.

CSA Contains:
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES
RED TOMATOES
ROMAINE LETTUCE
LACINATO KALE
BABY SPINACH
CARMEN and/or RED BELL PEPPER
ENGLISH CUCUMBER
GREEN ZUCCHINI
STRAWBERRIES
CANARY MELON
BIG BOX ADD: RED LEAF LETTUCE, LEEKS, CARROTS, GARNET YAMS, FENNEL

JUST the BASICS:
STRAWBERRIES
ROMAINE LETTUCE
CUCUMBERS
LACINATO KALE
BABY SPINACH
MOUNTAIN MAGIC TOMATOES

JUICE FEAST:
CARROTS
ROMAINE LETTUCE
GRANNY SMITH APPLES
LACINATO KALE
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS
ITALIAN PARSLEY
CELERY
BABY SPINACH
STRAWBERRIES
CANARY MELON

FRUIT EXPANSION: CANARY MELON + STRAWBERRIES
LETTUCE of the WEEK: RED LEAF
MUSHROOM MIX: SHIITAKE + OYSTERS from WOLFE FARMS

Continue reading “Week of November 1st”