Podcast Summary: "How to Join a CSA (What the Hack)"

Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Guest: Angelina Montez (Editor, Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center)
Air Date: September 15, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of All Of It dives into the world of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): what it is, how to join, its impact on local food systems, and how to make the most of abundant seasonal produce. Through expert insights from Angelina Montez and a lively stream of listener calls and texts, the show explores personal experiences, practical tips, and the broader cultural context of CSAs, especially in New York City and the surrounding region.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

What is a CSA? (Community Supported Agriculture)

• Definition & Structure

  • CSAs are partnerships between local farms and community members. Individuals pay upfront for a share of a farm’s seasonal bounty and receive weekly (or periodic) boxes of produce.
  • Funds go directly to farmers, giving them financial security and predictability (01:59).
  • CSAs often use local organizations, bookshops, or restaurants as pickup locations, fostering neighborhood connection (01:59).

• Quote:

  “It’s community supported because all of those funds are going directly into the farmer’s pockets and they know how much money they’re making on that produce.”
  — Angelina Montez (01:59)

Impact on the Local Food System

• Farmers gain predictability for their income, which is not always possible with farmer’s markets due to fluctuating daily sales (02:52).

• Builds a sense of community and fosters deeper relationships between eaters and growers.

• Quote:

  “…CSAs go a long way to give farmers predictability about how much money they will be able to make for the season because you pay up front.”
  — Angelina Montez (02:52)

Personal CSA Stories & Shoutouts

Listeners called in to share their experiences, highly positive connections, and local CSA recommendations:

• Sue from Upper West Side: “We’ve belonged [to Roxbury Farm CSA] for probably about 10 years...when the vegetable season ends in late November, I am incredibly sad because nothing tastes as good. The vegetables are phenomenal.” (03:34)
• Emily from Yonkers: Volunteered with Stone Ledge Farms, highlights the hard work in organic farming and the value of the farm’s newsletters with recipe ideas and farm updates (09:32).
• Rebecca with 607CSA: Praises their sliding scale, SNAP acceptance, flexible shares, and add-ons like baked goods and coffee (11:21).
• Elise from Bergen County: Applauds Laughing Fork Farm’s community pickup system and weekly newsletters with recipes (14:00).

The Challenge & Joy of Abundant Produce

• Managing a surplus: Host dinner parties, share with friends, try new recipes, pickle or freeze items, or split a share with someone (07:50).

• Quote:

  “I would always say host a dinner party, ask a friend...you can make gifts, you can pickle things, you can make things like hot sauce...”
  — Angelina Montez (07:50)

The History of CSAs

• Colum in Central Harlem shares about Dr. Booker T. Whatley, an African American horticulturalist who pioneered the concept of farm subscriptions in the 1960s to support Black farmers locked out of many markets (08:36).

• Quote:

  “He was the first person to introduce the concept of farm subscriptions in the United States...they could plan and, you know, budget accordingly. So he’s the godfather of the CSA.”
  — Colum (08:40)

The Cost of a CSA Share

• Typical share: $600-$700 upfront for 5–6 months, yielding 10–25 pounds of produce weekly, depending on size (06:59).

Making the Most of CSA Engagement

• Pickup Tips: Bring a cart or trolley; some shares are heavy (13:07).
• Be proactive! Process or cook produce immediately to avoid waste (15:18, Colleen).

Finding & Choosing a CSA

• Search online with terms like “CSA near me.” Farmer’s markets are also a great resource—farmers there will often have CSA programs (13:27).

• There’s variety: Vegetable, fruit, flower, fish, egg, medicinal herb CSAs and more (17:31).

• Quote:

  “There are also some medicinal herb CSAs...once a month instead of weekly, but you get five to seven bunches of herbs, chamomile, calendula, lemon balm...”
  — Angelina Montez (17:31)

Inclusion & Accessibility

• Many CSAs now accept SNAP/EBT benefits, offer sliding-scale fees, and half shares—making them more accessible (11:21, 21:54).
• Resource: hudsonvalleycsa.org for listings of SNAP-accepting CSAs in New York.

Notable Quotes / Memorable Moments

• On Using Your Share:

  “We are selling work. And sometimes people have a...romantic notion about it, but there’s, you know, it’s a commitment because...you get a lot of stuff and sometimes don’t know what to do with it.”
  — Mike, CSA Farmer (20:22)

• On Freezing & Season Extension:

  “One tip. I freeze so many of the veggies, especially greens. It extends enjoyment into the winter.”
  — Text from Yasmine, Port Washington (19:11)

• On Learning from Herbal CSA:

  “I’ve learned so, so much from like lore about different plants to like medicinal uses for them to how people use them in different parts of the world. It’s been amazing.”
  — Angelina Montez (18:16)

Key Timestamps

• 00:09 – Episode intro and CSA overview
• 01:59 – What is a CSA? Definition & process
• 02:47-03:25 – CSA’s impact on local food systems
• 03:34 – Sue from Upper West Side: emotional attachment to CSA
• 05:43-06:23 – Angelina Montez’s personal CSA experience
• 06:59 – What it costs and what you get
• 07:50 – Strategies for using large quantities of vegetables
• 08:36 – Historical background: Dr. Booker T. Whatley and CSA
• 09:32 – Emily on volunteer experience and value of newsletters
• 11:21 – Rebecca: inclusivity, flexibility, add-ons in 607CSA
• 12:46-13:18 – How pickup works & tips for making it easier
• 13:27 – Finding a CSA: search tips and farmers market advice
• 14:00 – Elise on community pickup and recipe sharing
• 15:18 – Colleen’s tip: use your haul right away
• 17:31 – CSA types: flowers, herbs, and more
• 19:11 – Tip: freezing vegetables for winter
• 20:22 – Mike, long-time CSA farmer: “We are selling work”
• 21:54 – Access and SNAP-accepting CSAs

Final Takeaways

• Joining a CSA supports local farmers, promotes community engagement, and offers exceptionally fresh produce.
• There’s a CSA model to suit nearly everyone: fruit, vegetable, flower, herb, fish, and more, with many accepting SNAP or offering sliding scales for accessibility.
• CSA participation comes with commitment: plan to process and use the produce, get creative with recipes, host meal-shares, or partner with friends.
• Look for weekly newsletters and recipe ideas from your CSA. Many supply insider farm updates and unique tips for enjoying unfamiliar veggies.
• Connection is key: Many participants find deep satisfaction in knowing their farmers and understanding the journey of their food from seed to plate.

For more resources or to find a CSA near you, visit:

• hudsonvalleycsa.org (NY/NJ area)
• Your local farmers market or neighborhood organizations

Memorable Closing Thought:

“It’s like opening up a present. So I think that’s perfect.”
— Angelina Montez on CSA pickup day excitement (16:33)