Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a method of distributing local farmers’ crops. Consumers buy seasonal “shares” of crops in the winter, providing farmers with capital needed for their spring, summer and fall harvests. Franklin Moms and cooking aficionados, Meg Barrett-Hickey and Eileen McAndrew Smith are devotees of CSAs. They laud it not only for providing tasty and delicious foods but for fostering community and education. CSAs’ connection with the local public cultivates a richer community with healthier diets.  

According to mass.gov, of the more than 7,000 farms in Massachusetts, 284 are CSAs with three right here in Franklin, including Fairmount Fruit Farm located in the northeast and the Night Owl Farm in the southwestern portion of Franklin. Running from June through October, Franklin’s favorite pastime the Farmer’s Market, which opens in June, is also a CSA. Both Fairmount Fruit and the North Owl farms market their wares there.

Meg, mother of two and a Franklin resident for over 10 years, is a frequent Farmers Market connoisseur and has been buying CSA shares for 6 years. She appreciates helping local farmers establish their crops but is most grateful for the community experiences her two children get to be a part of. 

“They become part of the food process, meet the farmer and it especially gives them a sense of community.” Meg went on to say, “Today’s community connection is often lacking, and the CSA farming method helps instill community.”  

Fairmount Fruit Farm has been fostering that esprit de’ corps for more than 100 years, since the Koshivas family migrated here from Greece in the 1920’s. They labored on the farm until they were able to buy it. The farm now has 50 acres off Lincoln Street, another 50 across the street that they lease to others, and 20 acres of orchards; primarily apples. CJ, a 4th generation Koshivas, revealed that their focus this year is to double their share offerings to the public. 

What sets this farm apart from other local farms is its multitude of activities and events, including a petting zoo and greenhouse rentals. It is also an Agritourism or Destination farm. As a popular farm, folks will travel there from all over to get their “farm experience.” 

Open year round, the business peaks when families come in the fall to pet the sheep, walk the fields, and honor their New England heritage of picking farm ripened apples and pumpkins.  Visit their website at www.fairmountfruit.com for more information and schedules.

An 8-year Franklin resident, Eileen has been buying CSA shares for 20 years and relishes the freshness of food that is usually harvested that same day.  She commented on this food distribution method and of its benefits, 

“I get to try food I wouldn’t normally think of buying. We eat better, healthier, and support our local farmers.” Like Meg, she also supplements her farm purchases with visits to Franklin’s Farmers’ Market.

Located in the southwestern area of Franklin is the Night Owl Farm. Established in 2021, its friendly new owner, Ali Coakley is a motivated young mother. The more than 6-acre farm has been in operation since the mid-80s. Entering its sixth year, Ali recently announced the expansion of her enterprise with the opening of a Farm Stand this spring at Hillside Nurseries on Washington Street near Prospect.

Aside from its human powered (no tractors), organic and pesticide-free farming with kudos to its female ownership, what also sets this local farm apart is its educational programs. During a one-week daily camp, lucky 3-9-year-olds get to learn farming taught using the disciplines of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). 

The children’s educational program runs for 8 weeks during the summer. For adults the farm offers workshops on homesteading and gardening along with crafting events.  Visit their website www.nightowlfarm.org for information and schedules.

In addition to these Franklin CSA options, Medway Community Farm also offers CSA shares to folks in neighboring communities. Find out more about their program at www.medwaycommunityfarm.org. 

With all that noted, this research and fresh air has made me hungry.