>
> I too am worried about the drop outs and need to address what I believe to be
> "the guilt complex"
>
> I think there are a fair number of good intentioned folks who sign on only to
> find themselves swamped with the quantity and diversity of food. We are probably y
> giving subscribers too much food. What quantities have worked well as an
> average for other CSAs? Our shares are large, 10 -20 lbs per delivery. Half
> shares are also and option and appear to be growing.
I think that "guilt complex" is very real. From what I've seen,
vegetable farmers eat a lot more fresh produce than other people.
Members may find themselves swamped, and then they start contributing to
the landfills when they had intended to help the environment. Offering a
half-share is a good option.
BTW, depending on the season, 10-20 pounds is probably on the large side
of normal.
>
> This season we are going to try to allow folks who don't like a particular
> vegie to replace it something else from a couple of extra share boxes at the
> drop site. If you don't like mizuna, why take it? We also are going to let
> subscribers come out to the farm to customize their shares. We are making an
> effort with our newsletter to try to educate folks about what to do with the
> strange stuff etc. This will probably help to an extent but certainly wont
> solve the drop out problem. Ideas?
>
Giving people a chance to choose is great, although you may want to set
limits
as to how much customizing you're willing to do. Do you have a "sharing"
box/table at your drop-off, a place where people can leave what they
don't want for someone else to take?
As others have said, providing recipes, especially easy recipes, helps
members over their "vegetable shock."
Good luck filling out the membership!
Bill Blake