The Happy Box CSA Program

Welcome to the Happy Box

Our system is pretty simple: pick, pack, and deliver on the same day to minimize packaging and maximize freshness.

Your role is pretty simple, too: pick up, put away, and re-pack to help things run smoothly.

You pick up your Box from your porch

You put away your produce

You re-pack your box with clean, dry containers

Please read on for more information about how our system works.

WHAT DOES MY HAPPY BOX CONTAIN?

Your weekly Happy Box includes:

- Regualr size boxes-  About 20 lbs. of fresh organic produce packed into 7 reusable plastic containers.

- Small size boxes- About 12 lbs of fresh organic produce packed in a reusable small box without any  plastic containers. 

- A copy of our newsletter, 4,000 Tomatoes!  This includes a list of the produce in your box, farm news, and recipes.  

WHO PACKS MY HAPPY BOX?

We have a team of six people who pick, pack, and deliver your box.  Everyone delivers the boxes they pack themselves.  If you have questions or concerns about the way your box is packed, please talk to the person who delivered it.  Contact us if the problem continues.

WHAT HAPPENS IN WEEK ONE?

First, we assign you a unique participant number and inform you what day to expect your first delivery.

Then, we label two reusable waxed cardboard boxes and two reusable sets of plastic containers (fourteen total) with your number.  We transport your produce only  in these containers. Please keep them clean and place them on time on your porch for pick up That will ensure that you will always receive your produce in the same clean containers.

Finally, we pick, pack (according to the preferences you specified when you signed up), and deliver on your assigned day.

WHAT HAPPENS IN WEEK TWO, THREE, AND FOUR...?

First, you wash your containers during the week.

On delivery day, please re-pack your box with all seven of the clean, dry, empty containers in the same order they arrived in (there's only one way for them all to fit - one small container goes sideways).  Remember to put lids back on to keep them clean inside.  Leave your empty box on the porch.

We will pick, pack, and deliver on your assigned day.  We'll take your empty box with us, to be used again the following week.  We do have a few spare boxes if you forget to leave it out, for an additional $1 charge.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY CONTAINERS?

Please take care of your containers.  They will last you through the season if you keep them clean and dry week after week.

We do not have sterilizing equipment at the farm.  If containers come back extremely dirty, we take the time to wash them, or replace them and add a $1 charge.  If dirty containers are a consistent problem, we reserve the right to discontinue your service.

HOW DO I KEEP MY PRODUCE FRESH?

To keep your produce fresh after delivery, we recommend that you remove all produce from your Happy Box as soon as possible. 

Fruit - avocados, peaches, bananas, pears, and mangos may need to stay at room temperature for a few days to fully ripen. Other times they may arrived perfectly ready to eat!

Tomatoes and cucumbers - store at room temperature, out of the fridge.

Greens and herbs - refrigerate in the crisper of your fridge or a bio-bag to maintain freshness and flavor.

Please wash your produce thoroughly before consumption.

WHAT IS A STANDARD BOX? (small and regular)

Standard Boxes are the best value, and the best way to eat local and eat with the season.

Every standard box in a given week will contain the same variety and quantity of fruits and vegetables, with the exception of wheat grass and sunflower greens (optional for standard participants).  If you opt out of wheat grass and sunflower greens, you will receive a little bit extra of other produce.

WHAT IS A PREMIUM BOX? (small and regular)

Premium Boxes give a little more flexibility.

Premium enables you to customize the produce in your Happy Box.  When you sign up, please print and fill up Prouce choice form and circle what produce you always/sometimes/never want to receive.  We will try our best to customize your produce according to those preferences.

WHAT IS A LOCAVORE BOX?  (small and regular)

Locavore boxes include organic produce that is 100% local-homegrown and in season. The variety is more limited especialy in spring and fall, but the quantity and value is always high.

WHAT IS A PREMIUM LOCAVORE BOX? (small and reg.)

Premium Locavore enables you to customize the local produce you receive. When you sign up please print and fill up the Locavore Produce choice form.

HOW MUCH IS MY BOX WORTH?

Boxes are always full and the value is always high. In the summer months, retail value of a Standard Regular Box is often more than $35. Many times we would add extra produce on top of the box when is abundant and in season. And that's in addition to the value of your participation.

Participating in the Happy Box Program directly supports your local community farmer.  You help us grow organic produce that is good for our health, good for the soil, and good for the future of our children.

HOW CAN I HELP MAKE THE SYSTEM BETTER?

- Include your participant number on all communication with us.

- Wash your containers thoroughly after use.

- Put your containers back in the box with lids on and in the same order they arrived.

- Have your box ready for pick-up at 4 p.m. on delivery day