Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about PCSA and the Moore Family Farm.

What does a share cost?
For 2008, the price for the 26-week season will be $400, of which $385 of your share goes directly to the Moores. As always, you may pay in installments by check or via Paypal.

Do I have to buy a cookbook?
Yes. As a new shareholder, you will be assessed a $16 new member fee to cover the cost of a cookbook that includes recipes for using your produce, tips for seasonal eating, and basic information about CSA. In past years, we have used the Madison Area CSA Coalition Cookbook, From Asparagus to Zucchini. In 2004, we began using Recipes from America's Small Farms: Fresh Ideas for the Season's Bounty by Joanne Hayes. The Moores requested PCSA members to have this book and build shares around several of its recipes. If you are a returning shareholder and would like to purchase this book, email Anna Barnes. We have found that the more options we give people for using their produce and the more information they have about seasonal eating and the importance of CSAs, the more likely they are to return.

How long is the season?
For 2008, the season runs 26 weeks, from May 7 through October 29th, or until the full value of the share is met.

What does a share look like?
This is a typical share in August and in October.

What will my share contain?
While what you receive ultimately depends upon weather, the Moores will be planting these items for 2008.

Do I get to pick out which vegetables I get?
No and yes. Organic farming requires several rotations of crops to keep weeds and insect pests in check. Being able to plant what is necessary to maintain the system is key. You will get a wide variety of produce each week, however, you will not get to choose which items you receive each week.

That said, if you receive an item you don't want or cannot use, simply place it in the exchange box at your pickup location and take something from the box that you will or can use. You will get to fill out a survey at the end of the year to help the farmers plan their crop list for the following season.

Where do I pick up my share?
Shares will be delivered to 701 W Washington St in Champaign and 714 W Iowa in Urbana. If you are in the Watseka area, you can pick up your share at the farm. You will be assigned a pickup location prior to the start of the season. Unless you specify otherwise on your contract, your pickup location will be the one closest to your home.

Do I have to pick up my share myself?
No, you can have someone else to pick up your share. Just be sure to have them check your name off the list at your pickup location.

What happens to my share if it isn't picked up?
Any shares not picked up go to charitable outreach organizations in the Champaign-Urbana community. Organizations which have received PCSA produce include the Center for Women in Transition, Homestead, Matthew House, Salvation Army, St. Vincent dePaul, as well as daycare providers who serve low-income children. In 2007, extra produce went to St. Jude's Catholic Worker House and the T.I.M.E.S. Center, as well as the Greater Community Aids Project.

What is a sponsored share?
PCSA's sponsored share program recognizes that organic produce has historically been out of the financial reach of many members of our community. Donations from PCSA members, churches, organizations, and individuals help us provide organic produce free of charge to families and individuals who would otherwise not be able to afford it. If you or your organization are interested in making a donation to the sponsored share program, call 217.355.6279 or email sponsored share .

Alternatively, your organization may purchase shares for mission work or food pantry projects. Such a project is currently underway at Community United Church of Christ.

Do you deliver to Chicago?
Due to rising fuel costs, PCSA will not be expanding to Chicago/Suburban Chicago in the near future. That said, several families in the Chicago area regularly drive to the farm to purchase meat, poultry, eggs, chemical-free flours, and organic corn flour, meal, and polenta. Contact the Moores directly to learn more about this at 815.432.6238. Alternatively, you can purchase these items from the Moores at the Frankfort Country Market in Frankfort, Illinois, on Sundays during the growing season.

Are the Moore's vegetables and meat certified?
No. The Moores use sustainable practices on their farm. They use no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and non-GMO seed. They also use no subtherapeutic antibiotics or growth hormones in raising their poultry, beef, pork, goat, sheep, and eggs. All are raised on intensively managed pasture using rotational grazing. On-farm mixed feeds supplement the diets of the poultry and pork. The remaining animals are strictly grassfed. For information on the benefits of grassfeeding see Eat Wild.

Where can I buy the Moore's meat and poultry?
You can buy it seasonally through Fruited Plain Cooperative Organization in Champaign-Urbana and directly from the farm. From late May through November you also can purchase it on Saturdays from the Moores at the Urbana Farmer's Market at Lincoln Square Mall. On Sundays, you can purchase it at the Frankfort Country Market in Frankfort, Illinois.

Where can I buy the Moore's eggs?
Eggs are delivered each week to locations in Urbana and Champaign. They are currently $2.60 per dozen. To order, call 815.432.6238. Eggs also are available at the Urbana Farmers' Market for $3 per dozen.

Where is Watseka?
Approximately 65 miles northeast of Champaign-Urbana, or less than 2 hours south of Chicago.

If you have additional questions, please email for more information or call 217.355.6279