From Seed to Sustenance: CSA Foundations, Cultural Foodways & Value-Added Wellness

WHAT IS A CSA?

A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct relationship between a farm and its community. Rather than simply buying produce, our members invest in the farm at the start of the season. In return, you receive a weekly share of what we grow.

ROOT OF THE MATTER CSA MEMBERSHIP

Root of the Matter is an urban, community-rooted CSA growing food that reflects the cultures, traditions, and tastes of Rochester's neighborhoods. When you join, you're not just getting produce, you're becoming part of a food sovereignty movement rooted right here in the city. Root of the Matter farms two production sites on Rochester's East Side, within the 14621 zip code. Our Bremen Street site, located at 270 Bremen St, is open to member visits by appointment.

Harvest pickup will be at 270 Bremen St.

WHERE YOUR MEMBERSHIP GOES

At Root of the Matter, we believe in full transparency. Your CSA membership fee is allocated across three areas

Farmer Compensation

Partial compensation for the farm coordinator’s planning, growing, harvesting, packing, and member communication labor

Member Education

Materials, space, and coordination costs for 6 annual community workshops are included free with your membership (an estimated $1,500 value per member)

The Farm

Seeds, soil amendments, irrigation, tools, packaging, and site maintenance across our two production sites on Rochester's Eastside.

*Workshop access note: The 6 annual Root of the Matter workshops are included at no additional cost for all active CSA members for the 2026 season (estimated retail value: $250/workshop × 6 = $1,500).

Frequently asked questions

What comes in my share?

Each weekly share consists of a set number of bundles of fresh, seasonal produce. One ‘bundle’ is one unit of a crop. For example: one bunch of collard greens, one basket of tomatoes, one basket of cucumbers, one bunch of kale, and so on. Share sizes range from 5 to 12 bundles, depending on the size you select at enrollment. Crops you may see throughout the season include: collard greens, kale, bok choy, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and other seasonal vegetables. Fresh herbs are included in your share at no additional cost. Specific crop availability varies week to week based on growing conditions. We will notify members by email each week of what is included in that week’s share.

What are your growing practices?

Root of the Matter farms two production sites in Rochester, NY, plus supplemental home garden beds. We follow regenerative and low-input growing principles:

• No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers

• Heirloom and non-GMO seed sourcing

• No-dig / no-till bed management

• Companion planting and integrated pest management (IPM)

• Composting and organic soil amendment only

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept: Zelle, CashApp, Stripe, PayPal, Square (card or tap to pay in person), Cash, and Money Orders made out to Root of the Matter. SNAP/EBT coming soon.

What payment options do you offer?

• Full payment upfront at enrollment (strongly recommended). Guarantees your spot and gives you the best per-week value. Upfront payers receive enrollment priority when a share size reaches capacity.

• Installment plan: Divide your total by the number of full months remaining until May 11. First installment is due with this signed agreement. Please email for additional information.

• Pay-As-You-Go: Available for week-by-week members only. A refundable $25 deposit is required to hold your spot in the PAYG pool. Please email for additional information.

Do you deliver?

Root of the Matter does not offer delivery at this time. All shares must be picked up at one of the two designated locations listed above.

What additional benefits do I receive for enrolling?

All active CSA members receive the following at no additional cost:

• 6 annual Root of the Matter community workshops (estimated value: $1,500). Topics vary by season and include regenerative growing, food sovereignty, herbalism, and community food systems. Workshop schedule posted at rootofthematter.io/workshops.

• Priority access to surplus produce when available

• Weekly share newsletter with crop notes and farm updates

Can I add on items?

Add-on items are available for purchase separately. For the 2026 season, eggs from a local partner farm will be available as a weekly add-on at a price posted at rootofthematter.io. Additional specialty items sourced from local partner farms may be offered throughout the season. We will notify you by Sunday of any week an add-on is available. If you wish to purchase, notify us by Wednesday of that week. Payment for add-ons is due at pickup. SNAP/EBT acceptance: Coming soon. We will notify all members when this becomes available.

I am unable to pay for my plan. What do I do?

Root of the Matter uses a solidarity pricing model. We ask members to honestly assess their household’s financial situation and select the tier that fits. If you are unable to pay for your plan due to financial hardship, please contact us to learn more about our support options. Additionally, we offer Pause Your Share options. Please contact us to learn more.

What is a harvest surplus?

CSA members receive first priority on our harvest. If surplus crops are available beyond what fills shares, members may receive one to two extra bundles of that week’s surplus at no charge. The remaining surplus is sold at the market or donated to our food pantry partner.

Do you donate to local food pantries?

Root of the Matter donates surplus and unclaimed produce to a local food pantry near our Bremen farm site. If you would like to donate your share in a given week rather than pick it up, notify us in writing by the Wednesday of that week and your share will be donated on your behalf.

Our Workshare Program

Root of the Matter offers a Work Share program as an option for members who wish to contribute farm labor in exchange for credit toward their membership fee.

• Work share is an option for members enrolled at Standard rate or above. Community rate members are already receiving our most accessible pricing tier; the work share program is designed as a distinct exchange for members investing at Standard or Sustainer level.

• Credit rate: $20.00 per hour (Rochester area living wage). This rate reflects our commitment to equitable labor valuation, consistent with our mission of fair compensation in agriculture.

• Maximum credit: 25% of your total season fee. Example: a Standard member with a $900 season fee may earn a maximum of $225 in Work Share credit (11.25 hours of approved labor).

• All work share hours must be pre-scheduled and approved by the farm coordinator before they are performed. Unapproved hours will not be credited.

• Eligible tasks include: bed preparation, seeding, transplanting, harvesting, produce washing, and share packing.

• Hours must be completed before the start of the season or within the first four weeks of your share window. Hours completed after Week 4 will not be credited.

• Work share credit is applied as a reduction to your season fee at enrollment or deducted from your installment balance.