25-75% of cost assistance, up to $350,
toward the purchase of fresh produce
When you sign up for partner shares, you get:
1. A variety of fresh vegetables at an affordable cost
2. A flexible payment plan, designed to meet your needs.
3. A relationship with a local farm and farmer
4. Farm newsletters that include recipes & tips on how to use your veggies
5. Opportunities to attend community events on the farm
6. Discount on the From Asparagus to Zucchini cookbook
UPDATE 2/21: Due to a large volume of applicants, the Partner Shares Program is currently full and new applicants are being added to a waitlist. Staff will reach out within 2 weeks about the status of your application.
If you are still interested in paying for a CSA share with SNAP, or want a payment plan for your CSA share, complete the application and choose "No Assistance Needed - Pay with SNAP"
Applying for a Community Partnership? Click HERE
We can process SNAP!
HOW IT WORKs
You pick a farm that fits your needs and become a farm “member"
You choose the most convenient pick-up location from a list of options the farm provides
The farm provides a box of vegetables (a "CSA Share") regularly throughout the growing season
FairShare will contribute 25-75%, up to $350, toward the cost of your share*
*For example:
You want to purchase a Standard Share, which is $600.
25% assistance: We provide $150, you contribute $450.
50% assistance: We provide $300, you contribute $300.
75% assistance: We provide $350, you contribute $250.
You want to purchase a Small Share, which is $400.
25% assistance: We provide $100, you contribute $300.
50% assistance: We provide $200, you contribute $200.
75% assistance: We provide $300, you contribute $100.
HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ASSISTANCE LEVEL?
WHAT IS A SLIDING SCALE?
Sliding scale models work when people pay a similar percentage of their income on a service (versus one set amount.) This is especially helpful for programs like Partner Shares, which serve a broad diversity of people, across a wide geographic area.
Partner Shares offers 25%, 50% and 75% assistance, up to $350, towards the cost of your CSA share.
HOW DO I DETERMINE MY LEVEL OF ASSISTANCE?
A sliding scale requires your active participation in determining how much assistance you need. Consider your available resources when making your decision. This may include income, along with other factors that impact your finances. We have some suggested guidelines for helping you think about what level to choose. This list is not exhaustive. Do not stress about it. Pay what feels right.
APPLY
CLICK ON THE STEPS BELOW TO GET STARTED
1. DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY
You will qualify for funding if:
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Your current monthly household income is at or below the 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines*
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If you are eligible for SNAP benefits, the WIC program, or your children are eligible for free or reduced lunch at school, your family qualifies for this funding.
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You agree to the farm’s CSA member responsibilities, specifically picking up your share each week.
You will not qualify for funding if:
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You have past due Partner Shares program payments.
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Your requested CSA share is for off-farm products (for example, Partner Shares funding cannot be used for coffee or flower shares.)
*We understand that annual income may not encapsulate an individual/household's level of need. We encourage all participants to apply that require assistance regardless of income.
DOES YOUR INCOME MEET THE 200% GUIDELINES?
DETERMINE YOU ELIGIBILITY
2a. PICK A FARM & SIGN-UP FOR THEIR CSA
Not sure which farm to pick? Use our FARM SEARCH TOOL, and use the search criteria to find the farm that is right for you.
Once you determine the farm and share type that you want, complete that farm's CSA sign up form. All farms operate a little differently. Some farms have online forms, others are mail in.
Do not pay for the share when you sign up (we will handle that.) Choose a "pay by check" option, and indicate that you are receiving Partner Shares. Forward a copy of your sign up form to info@csacoalition.org .
Steps 2a and 2b can happen at the same time
2b. SIGN UP FOR PARTNER SHARES
Complete the PARTNER SHARES APPLICATION, and someone from FairShare will get back to you within 14 business days.
3. CONFIRM PAYMENT PLAN
We will create a payment plan for you that is spread out over the months you receive your share.
We accept the following forms of payment:
SINGLE CHECK:
1 installment, processed upon receipt. Payable to FairShare CSA Coalition, for the total amount due.
MULTIPLE CHECKS:
6 installments (May - Oct). You will post-date the checks on the day you want funds withdrawn.
SNAP/EBT CARD:
Payments spread over duration of CSA share. We will mail you SNAP vouchers for you to fill out and return to FairShare within one week. We will withdraw funds from your EBT card each month on the date you choose or up to 5 days afterwards.
CREDIT CARD / 1 INSTALLMENT:
Processed upon receipt. You can pay your full co-payment amount at once with your credit or debit card.
CREDIT CARD / 6 INSTALLMENTS:
6 Installments, beginning upon application completion and invoiced monthly.
MULTIPLE METHODS:
You can pay for part of your share by check(s) and part with SNAP
Example payment plan for Multiple Checks:
4. SEND PAYMENT
Depending on which payment method you choose, you may need to send in checks or EBT vouchers.
FAIRSHARE CSA COALITION
211 S. Paterson St, Ste. 280
Madison, WI 53703
SIGN UP FOR PARTNER SHARES
We offer both an online and paper form. Once you fill out this form, forward a confirmation of your CSA farm sign up to partnershares@csacoalition.org. We will then be in contact with you about a payment plan for your co-payment.
THanks to our partners in equity
Thanks to Dane County and Otto Bremer Trust for supporting the Partner Shares Program.