Traditionally, CSA (Community Sustained Agriculture) is a way for you to support local farmers by purchasing upfront a share of the coming summer harvest. The farmers put your money to work immediately in the winter, all in preparation for the season to come. Then in the peak season customers get a box each week worth a designated amount of produce. However, as a four season farm Star Light Gardens has gotten away from the traditional CSA box and has formed a market credit system that goes year round. When shopping with us at the markets or at our farm stand your money goes further with a Star Light Gardens Market Card.
How it Works
You choose the amount you’d like to preload on to your new Market Card. Starting at $100 and up to $600. Then from us you will receive a Market Card with an additional 5%-20%. The Market Card acts as credit to be used throughout the year. You can use this credit as you wish at any of our farmers’ markets or to preorder for our farm stand. You select only the products that you enjoy, and there is no weekly minimum or maximum to what you can purchase. As your Market Card balance gets low you may reload your card as much as you’d like.
We transitioned to this new Market Card model in 2020 and it has been a great success. Customers very much enjoyed the flexibility and affordability of the market cards. The farmers benefit from the Market Cards as well. By having your business prepaid in lump-sums we can afford larger seed orders, tools, and competitive wages for our employees.
Getting Started
Sign up below. You will receive payment instructions from us within a few days. Once we have your payment we will set you up with a new Star Light Gardens Market Card
Our Market Card Spots are full for 2023, sign up below for our waitlist
The Nitty-Gritty
1st time customers can start their Market Cards at $100 as a test run. If you like it and would like to reload your credit the minimum is $200
- $100 = $105
- $200 = $215
- $300= $330
- $400= $450
- $500 =$575
- $600= $700
We only ask that you use your Market Card somewhat actively. After 12 months of inactivity your balance will be cleared from your Market Card.
We do not offer refunds on Market Card deposits.
CT NOFA Farm Share Program
CT NOFA started the Farm Share Program in 2022 to make CSA subscriptions accessible to CT residents who find the upfront cost a barrier to entry.
Our goal is to provide $330 Market Cards to 4 households this spring and summer. CT NOFA can match up to $600 donated to help us achieve this goal. Here is a link to make a tax deductible donation towards fundraising for this effort. Any additional funds will go towards providing more Market Cards. Thank you!
If you are interested in receiving a supplemented or half priced Market Card please send us an email.
starlightgardensdurhamct@gmail.com