6.5.08
Buy local chicken through Penn's Corner CSA Chicken Shares this summer. Dave Chirico of West Liberty Farm in Dubois is a new Penn's Corner member. Having raised chickens on pasture for the last five years, he is very excited to make his tasty chickens available to Penn's Corner CSA members.
In Dave's own words, "I am dissatisfied with the poultry industry and am offering a much better bird at a reasonable price. My chickens will have fresh air, sun, shelter, and fresh pasture inside their movable pasture shelters. All the birds will eat plenty of fresh greens as well as our own blend of grains, vitamins, and minerals.
There will be no hormones or antibiotics fed to our birds and the pasture is maintained using organic practices."
Are the chickens certified organic? No, but in many ways the pastured chicken is better than organic. Dave's chickens live in fresh grass, which is not required by organic standards. Animals need to be in the fields, eating grass and bugs to be their healthiest and have the highest levels of nutrients (Like Omega 3’s)! The pastured bird is treated more humanely, is healthier, and most importantly, it tastes better.
Each Penn's Corner CSA Chicken Share consists of four chickens (one per month) delivered throughout the summer at the East End Food Coop in Point Breeze. Each chicken weighs an average of 5 pounds and is delivered frozen. The delivery dates correspond to our regular produce deliveries from 4-6pm on Wednesdays. The dates are: June 18, July 23, August 27, & September 24.
5.21.08
Don't miss out on a wonderful event this coming weekend. Rachel's Sustainable Feast will feature all kinds of fun events based around local food and environmental awareness. Penn's Corner farmers will be on hand selling plants as well. Plus, chefs from the Big Burrito group will be doing cooking demonstrations featuring foods from Penn's Corner! Check it out on Sunday May 25th from noon-5pm!
5.15.08
Can you taste the tomato you just picked from your garden? Isn't it wonderful. You say you don't know where to buy a really good tomato plant?
We have just the answer for you. Visit the Penn's Corner Farm Alliance Booth at the Phipps Conservatory's May Market, Eco-Friendly Fair in Mellon Park this weekend. The fair runs from Friday, May 16, 10-7, Saturday, May 17, 10-7 and Sunday, May 18, 10-5. The Penn's Corner tent is being hosted by Pucker Brush Farm and Goose Creek Gardens. They are bringing over 50 different types of heirloom tomatoes, 5 types of basils, strawberry baskets, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Nasturiums, tree tomatoes, liatris, catnip, Bay laurel. To name just a few. Check out the picture gallery to see a picture of this years booth.
5.7.08
The 20 week Harvest Share is getting closer all the time. Don't delay, sign up now! We're adding some more CSA pickup locations for you to choose from. The following sites will be available starting with the Harvest Share in mid June. If you'd like to change your CSA location or sign up as a new member, please contact us. We'd be glad to help.
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Woodhaven Dr in Mt. Lebanon
King James Dr in Franklin Park
Harrison Ave in Avalon
Northminister St in Brighton Heights/Bellevue
5.1.08
There's no doubt that the local food movement is catching on here in southwestern PA. The number of local farmers' markets and CSA (community supported agriculture) members is increasing all the time. And, now, so are the resources available for locavores--those interested in eating locally. For instance, Edible Allegheny magazine just premiered their first edition this spring. Inside you'll find all kinds of information about what's going on with food and farming here in the region--and that includes a small handful or articles that mention Penn's Corner CSA! Check out their website and consider subscribing.
In other news, the Pittsburgh City Paper also ran a nice article on CSA's this week. They interviewed a few CSA farms, including Penn's Corner CSA. So pick up a copy of the Pgh City Paper this week too.
To our existing CSA members and restaurant customers, we say thank you for helping to build a grassroots farming movement in our region. It really does make a difference to your local farmers. We hope you enjoy the bounty of the coming season.
4.16.08
As the summer Harvest Share CSA approaches, we are happy to announce two new delivery locations. Both sites will be available to current and new Penn's Corner CSA members for the 2008 season.
1. 6500 block of Bartlett St in Squirrel Hill--Wednesday deliveries.
2. 1600 block of King James Dr in the North Hills (Franklin Park)--Wednesday deliveries.
4.1.08
Truth is, that title is roundabout way of saying that our April CSA is now sold out. Thanks to the many new and returning members who have decided to support our local farmers this season. We are looking forward to starting our spring CSA next week on April 9.
If you interested in signing up for Penn's Corner CSA, you have a few options:
1. Sign up now for the 20 week Harvest Share, which starts the third week of June. It will be a wonderful CSA Share filled with lots of your favorite fruits and vegetables. We still have plenty of room for you to be a part of it!
2. Sign up for the Spring waiting list. If/when new CSA shares become available, we will be sure to let you know. We are thinking that we may be able to add a few more shares in May.
3. Do both! Sign up for the 20 week Harvest Share and put your name on our waiting list, in case more room opens up earlier than mid June.
To sign up for the Harvest Share, simply fill out our membership form and send it in with a check for your payment. For the waiting list, please email us, and we'll be sure to add your name. Thanks!
3.18.08
In a matter of a few months, the trays of seedlings in this picture will fill the boxes of Penn's Corner CSA and be delivered to a neighborhood near you. And, Penn's Corner CSA still has room for you to be part of the fun of our farm fresh, seasonal CSA. It's not too late to sign up! Check out our updated
CSA membership form to stake your claim in this season's CSA produce from Penn's Corner. The Farmer's Friend and Cabin Fever Shares, which begin on April 9, are running out quickly. So, grab them while they're still available. Or, sign up for the Harvest Share, which begins in mid June. And, spread the word to your friends....thanks.
