Growing Together: A Fresh Take on the CSA Model at HRCC

If you’ve ever heard of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) garden, you may already be familiar with the basic idea: community members support a farm by purchasing a “share” of the harvest upfront, and in return, they receive a weekly box of fresh, seasonal produce. It’s a beautiful model built on trust, shared risk, and mutual benefit.

As we began planning this season at Hope Reigns Community Collective (HRCC), we were inspired by the CSA model and initially intended to offer Garden Share subscription boxes at various levels. However, as we stepped into our first full year, our board made the thoughtful decision to wait to officially launch those subscriptions.

But instead of setting the idea aside completely, we chose to adapt it—to create something that reflects both our values and our community.

A CSA-Inspired Model… With a Twist

While we aren’t offering traditional Garden Share subscriptions this year, we are still using that framework to help guide how produce is distributed and how volunteers are rewarded for their time and effort.

At our farm stand, all produce is available on a simple, trust-based system:
Take what you need. Give what you can.

To keep things straightforward, we suggest a donation of $2 per pound for all produce—no matter what it is. Some items may be worth more, others less, but we trust that it will balance out over time. This approach keeps the farm stand accessible while honoring the value of the food being grown.

Earning Your Share Through Service

One of the most meaningful ways we’ve adapted the CSA model is by connecting volunteer time in the garden to FarmStand Credit.

Here’s how it works:

• A typical weekly Garden Share (if we were offering them this year) would include about 8–10 pounds of produce

• At $2 per pound, that equals roughly $16–$20 in value

With that in mind:

• 4 hours of volunteer time earns a 50% share value → approximately $8–$10 in FarmStand Credit

• 8 hours of volunteer time earns a full share value → approximately $16–$20 in FarmStand Credit

We know it’s a bit unconventional—especially without formal share boxes this year—but this system gives us a tangible way to recognize the time and effort our volunteers pour into the garden.

Why This Matters

At the heart of this model is a simple but powerful belief: everyone has something to contribute.

Not everyone is in a position to pay for high-quality, local, organically grown food—and we never want cost to be a barrier. At the same time, we believe there is deep value in participating in the process of growing that food.

No matter your age, experience, or physical ability, there is a place for you in the garden. Whether it’s planting, weeding, harvesting, organizing, or supporting in other ways, every contribution matters.

This idea is rooted not only in practical need, but also in faith. Proverbs 13:4 reminds us that “the soul of the diligent is richly supplied,” and Ephesians 4:28 encourages us to do honest work with our hands so that we have something to share with others. These principles shape the way we approach both the garden and our community.

An Invitation, Not a Requirement

We want to be very clear: this model is not about restriction—it’s about invitation.

No one is required to work in the garden to access produce. The farm stand remains open to everyone under the same guiding principle:
Take what you need. Give what you can.

Whether you’re able to volunteer regularly, occasionally, or not at all, you are welcome here.

At the same time, we strongly encourage participation because there is something incredibly meaningful about eating food you’ve helped grow with your own hands. It builds connection—not just to the food, but to the people and the purpose behind it.

Rooted in Faith. Growing Community. Thriving Together.

Our ultimate goal at HRCC goes far beyond vegetables. We are here to grow deep roots in our faith, strengthen our community, and create a space where people can thrive together.

The garden is simply one way we live that out.

It’s not exclusive. It’s not transactional. It’s a shared effort, a shared blessing, and a shared opportunity to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Whether you come to work, to learn, to give, or simply to receive—you belong here. And we’re grateful to grow alongside you.