frequently asked questions

 It’s not really selfish to ask this question.  Resources are tight and people at all levels of society must be conscious of how they spend their money.  So let’s answer this big question first.

Unlike a traditional CSA where you subscribe to a fixed amount of food each week, as a “Farm Partner” you are entitled to as much food as you want, when you want it.  Just call and place an order and have it picked and waiting for you, or bring the family and enjoy a day in the garden picking your own.

As a “Farm Partner” you will help fund the “seed cost” and labor required to raise literally tons of food at Steepleview Farm. 

“As much as we want, wow, how is that fair to the hungry?” As a partner you understand the goal, the mission, the hope that we can help those in need.  As in all partnerships there is a level of trust that no one partner will abuse the situation to the detriment of the mission, or other partners.  Our “Farm Partner” program is grounded in this kind of trust.

As a BONUS AT NO EXTRA COST

You get the use of the farm.  You are invited to use our fishing lake (catch and release), our covered dock house, our hiking trails, our camping area, you can bring your horse and ride, you can bring your kids and learn, you can bring your pets and let them run.  You can come enjoy life in the country with the use of our entire 170 acres (all upon polite notice please).

 Many “feed the hungry” programs encourage farmers to give their expired, or nearly expired products to the poor, or to sell their excess, their blemished fruits and vegetables, their “seconds” or “thirds” or culls at a very low price.  We consider this unacceptable.

Think about it.  The produce section is one of the first sections of the store you see.  It is always overflowing with gorgeous displays.  The same is true at Farmer’s Markets.  The displays are eye candy for customers who want to see abundance.  In reality, much of what farmer’s raise is disposed of.

Feeding the hungry only what is “left over”, “damaged” or “unsalable” feels rude to us. 

Moreover, if we are truly concerned as citizens with the high cost of medical care, the high cost of government medical programs and the health of our communities, why wouldn’t we serve the freshest, the best and healthiest to those most in need?

IT JUST MAKES SENSE TO US

How do we do this? 

 We pick, pack and fill our partnership orders, sell to the general public and then from the same quality produce, we deliver to Master Provisions in Florence Kentucky as our distribution center.

You  could just buy food "the grocery" but honestly, as much as you try, how much do you really know about the compounds, fertilizers and processes that qualify for a government permit to use the word “organic” on a label?   And that one word certainly doesn't tell you anything about how and where your food was handled as you prepare to eat it. 

We think that the term “organic” serves a purpose but what it says about your food doesn't come close to the level inspection and satisfaction you can get for yourself if you know your local "transparent farmer".

Knowing your farmer, visiting the farm, learning about the processes being used, staying in touch from seed to feed is a far better and more responsible way for your grower to keep you informed, and for you to stay informed and in control of your food.

First, we have a limited number of partnerships available.  As such YOU become the foundation of our operation.  We give your food the kind of special attention those selling in the larger market cannot.  

Our customers are those who place a higher value on wholesome, naturally grown food than the general grocery shopper and share with us the mission to help the food insecure enjoy that same level of nutrition through our "Feed The Hungry Program".

Second, we invite all of our partners to share in the life of our farm.  You will not only receive the best, most wholesome and freshest fruits and vegetables, but you are also welcome to visit us, to see how we hand pick your seeds, carefully nurture the plants, hand pick and hand wash and hand pack everything especially for you at the very peak of ripeness, as opposed to those who pick and pack “market varieties” chosen to store and “travel well” between markets.  You will see that you are truly getting something special.

Third, we keep you informed through a private newsletter sent out exclusively to our “Farm Partners” of all that is happening at the farm. This includes advance notice of what is about to ripen, when we are going to a delivery area, how to participate in our “U-Pick” activities that are fun for the whole family as well as giving you first notice of special events and special offers at Steepleview Farm.

Fourth, when we are blessed with a “bumper crop” you will be rewarded as one of our valued farm partners with extra bounty, jars of goodies and lots of other offerings not available to the general public. 

This is a VIP perk 

you won’t get anywhere else!

 One of the most rewarding advantages of becoming a “Farm Partner” is re-connecting with the land, developing a renewed harmony with nature, an appreciation for the seasons and the power and nurturing forces of the weather.   

The earliest items to arrive will be fresh lettuce, greens, radishes, scallions, kale, arugula and snow peas and carrots.  These usually arrive in March.

Lavender sachet and fresh herbs along with early heirloom tomatoes from our “high tunnel” come on a little later in Spring or early summer. 

Some of our tomatoes come in earlier than most farmers tomatoes which usually arrive after July 4th.  But, unlike the early varieties you can find nearly anywhere else our tomatoes aren’t those hard and flavorless “hot house” tomatoes but a specially selected variety of early maturing bright red fruits bursting with flavor. 

Delicious green beans all picked for their freshness for cooking now or available for larger special orders if you are interested in canning for a winter treat come on according to the schedule above in mid to late summer.  Varieties of yellow squash, zucchini, hot peppers for use now or drying, sweet peppers, slicing cucumbers and pickling cucumbers,and of course cut herbs all come when at full maturity.

As summer winds down look for gourds, pumpkins, fall squash, more beans, end of season giant tomatoes of superior flavor.

You can also find many of our products for sale after the season ends by visiting our 

ONLINE FARM STORE.

(NOTE: Honey, eggs and our gourmet products are not included in the partnership but are available and at discounted prices to our partners.)