Grow Hartford CSA

Grow Hartford, a project of the Hartford Food System, began its journey in Hartford and has been operating for eight growing seasons as of 2011. Known for harvesting thousands of pounds of produce across three different sites, the project primarily donates its yield to social service agencies within the city. Additionally, a portion of the harvest is made available for sale to households through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership.

Grow Hartford employs organic farming methods to cultivate over 35 varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The project emphasizes a mutually supportive relationship between the farm and the community through its CSA model. Members of the CSA help cover the farm's operating budget by purchasing shares of the season's harvest, which includes contributing to the costs of seeds, fertilizer, water, equipment maintenance, and labor. This partnership ensures a reliable market for diverse crops and promotes land stewardship and local food supply.

The Grow Hartford CSA operates by providing members with a share of the harvest from late July through early October. Each week, members pick up their produce at the Laurel Street site and have the opportunity to harvest pick-your-own crops such as herbs, cherry tomatoes, and flowers. A full share is designed to supply a family of four or two vegetable-loving adults with approximately 140 pounds of produce over the 12-week season. Memberships are available for $350, with reduced rates for low-income families.