CSA Spotlight: Native Offerings
Considered leaders in WNY’s CSA trend, Native Offerings Farm was established in 1997; the first CSA in Erie County. Stew and Deb Ritchie, who run the farm with their three young children, received certification as a “naturally grown” farm two years ago.
Continuing their progressive approach, they offer a variety of shares. There’s the traditional summer and winter vegetable shares, but there is also a July Start share (a version of the summer share that starts later), a fruit share, a four season share, and pork and beef shares. The vegetable shares are offered in three different sizes: feeding anywhere between one and six people.
The meat shares work differently than the typical produce share. According to Stew, members purchase either a whole or half pig (125 lbs. or 63 lbs. respectively), or a quarter or half cow (125 lbs. or 250 lbs. respectively), the meat is then cut to order. The meat shares are a one time purchase, not a weekly distribution, and the meat is picked up directly from the butcher by the shareholder.
Native Offerings is one of the only CSA's in the area to offer a work share. By spending 4-5 hours each week working on the farm or at a distribution site, you can receive a discounted share or have it waived altogether.
Native Offerings distribution area includes sites in Buffalo, Amherst, and Orchard Park, with the option of picking up at the farm as well.
You can find Native Offerings' products at the Lexington Co-op or the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmers Market Saturday mornings.
For more information about the environmental and economical impact of food and agriculture, consider attending Buffalo's World on Your Plate Forum.
Native Offerings Farm
Stew and Deb Ritchie
8501 Maples Road, Little Valley, NY 14755
716.257.3006
www.nativeofferings.com
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wheatenwalker
The fruit share has been outstanding this summer!
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GoldenLark
I'm participating in their winter share. I'll be sure to circle back and let you all know how it went!
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