What Our CSA Members Have to Say

“Essex Farm has completely transformed my relationship with food—how I eat food, how I think about food, how I feel about food, and not least how I read about food. For more than two decades now, being a member of Essex Farm has also deepened how I think about sunlight, teamwork, dirt, and the miracles that arise from them putting them together. I love knowing where my food comes from each week—and getting the stories behind it in the Farm Note.” 

— Colin W.

“When I was growing up, expensive food was a treat, and it had to be an occasion.  Lamb, leeks, and real maple syrup were rarities in our household.  I was amazed to find these items and more like them available to Essex Farm members, at no extra charge.  The abundance of superb quality meats, dairy, grains, and vegetables means membership can be a good economic decision.  

There’s no place in the world like Essex Farm.  As a member, I have access to everything I need to make a meal – meats, vegetables, dairy, grains and flours (and even flowers to put on the table!).  Now, if I could just get them to grow coffee beans and rolls of toilet paper, I could skip the grocery store entirely.”

– Joan J.

“As a family of almost 6, we are so thankful that we became members of Essex Farm CSA. Finding local, organic, and humanely raised food can be challenging when feeding a large family. Having all of our food in one place has made our busy life with a young family much easier. There was an adjustment period when we joined and left the more convenient grocery store scene, and I had questions, like, “What snacks should I make for my always-hungry children?” But the support from the Kimballs, staff and other members was, and still is, incredible. Traveling each week to get our food has become a beautiful part of our family rhythm, and we are always amazed at the learning and growing opportunities that being members at Essex Farm has given us. From seeing our children enjoy trying new veggies to grazing the strawberry fields in early summer, to seeing Mark on the tractor or enjoying the Snack Shack food they prepare for us at distribution, it’s clear that Mark and Kristin care deeply for this work, for this farm, and for their members.” 

– Ash C.

“Our round trip to Essex Farm from Vermont takes about 3 hours, and I have never once second guessed it! The trip to pick up our share has become a weekly ritual, not a chore. We feel rich beyond measure with our fridge, freezer, and plates brimming with real food grown with care and intention. We’ve lost count of the times we’ve sat down to a meal and exclaimed, “Everything on our plate is from the farm!”. We love coming on Fridays to break bread with Mark and other members – growing friendships that make our hearts just as full as our fridge. Being a member of Essex Farm is feeding us in more ways than one.” 

— Rebecca F.

“To avoid writing an entire dissertation on why we love being members at Essex Farm, I’ll make a top 2 list:

1. The abundance, generosity, and sense of joy that suffuse everything at the farm.

2. The arugula, strawberries, sour cream, ginger-sage sausage, sauerkraut, maple syrup, and pork shoulder roast (to name just a few).”

— Amy and Adam R.