‍1. What is a CSA, and how does it work at Zawadi Farm?Answer:
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a partnership between farmers and community members who commit to one another for an entire growing season. When you join Zawadi Farm’s CSA, you purchase a “share” of our seasonal harvest. In return, you receive weekly (or bi-weekly) boxes of fresh, sustainably grown produce and become part of our farm’s vibrant community. By participating in a CSA, you share both the rewards (bountiful harvests) and the inherent risks (like unpredictable weather or pests) of farming with us.

‍2. Where is Zawadi Farm located, and how can I contact you?Answer:
We are located at:
160 Downsview Park Blvd
North York, Ontario, Canada, M3K 0C8
‍Contact Details:
‍Phone: 416.803.5377
Email: csa@zawadi.farmwww.zawadi.farmWe encourage you to reach out with any questions or feedback; we’re always happy to help!

‍3. Why should I join Zawadi Farm’s CSA?
By joining our CSA program, you:
‍Support Local Agriculture: Your membership invests in a local, family-owned, and sustainably operated farm.
‍Enjoy Fresh Produce: You’ll receive high-quality, organic produce harvested at peak ripeness.
‍Promote Environmental Stewardship: We use sustainable, organic growing practices, reducing chemical inputs and preserving soil health.
‍Build Community: You become part of a supportive network that values healthy food, local farming, and the environment.

‍4. How long is the CSA season and what does each share include?
Duration: 25 weeks, running from May 16th to October 31st, 2025.
‍Weekly Box Contents: An assortment of 8 seasonal items (vegetables, fruits, and herbs). The variety and quantity will depend on what’s in season and Mother Nature’s quirks.
‍Share Size: Each share typically feeds about 2–4 people weekly. You can purchase multiple share units if needed.

‍5. What are my payment options and costs for the CSA?
Cost per Share Unit: $45 per week.
‍Full Season Cost (Weekly Share): $1,125 for 25 weeks ($45 x 25).
‍Bi-Weekly Share Option: $585 for 13 pick-ups ($45 x 13).
‍Payment SchedulesFull Payment: Pay the entire cost upfront.
‍Installment Plan (Weekly Share):5 equal payments of $225.Due upon registration, then on June 1st, July 1st, August 1st, and September 1st, 2025.
‍Installment Plan (Bi-Weekly Share):2 payments: $225 upon registration, and $360 on June 1st, 2025.
‍Accepted Methods:Credit/Debit Card (online) Interac E-Transfer (orders@zawadifarm.ca) Cheque (payable to “Zawadi Farm”) Cash (in person at the Farm or pick-up sites)

‍6. What happens if I miss a payment or need to cancel?
Late Payments: We allow a 7-day grace period. Consistently missed payments may result in suspended deliveries or membership cancellations.
‍Cancellation Before Season Starts (before May 1st, 2025): Full refund minus a $25 administrative fee.
‍Cancellation After Season Start (May 16th, 2025): No refunds are provided unless evaluated on a case-by-case basis under extraordinary circumstances.

‍7. How do I get my weekly (or bi-weekly) CSA share?
We offer several convenient distribution options:
‍Home DeliveryAvailable within specified Toronto areas.
‍Delivery Fee: $30 per week.
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‍Farm Pick-Up (Free)
Address: 160 Downsview Park Blvd, North York, M3K 0C8
‍Times: Fridays (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) & Saturdays (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
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‍Community Pick-Up Locations (free)
Downtown Toronto: St. Lawrence Market (Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3)
‍Tinys General Store: (Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 80 Barton Ave, Toronto, ON M6G 1P6)
‍Bayview Village Pickup: Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
‍Downtown East Pickup: Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
‍Leslieville Farmer’s Market: Sundays, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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‍Member Responsibilities:
Please pick up your share on time or let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you need to make alternate arrangements. Unclaimed shares may be donated to local charities.

‍8. Can I customize my box?
Yes! Each Tuesday, we email a list of available produce for the coming week. You can select your preferred items by noon on Wednesday. If you don’t make a selection, we’ll pack a default assortment for you. This way, you can tailor your weekly share to suit your household’s tastes while still enjoying the variety our fields produce.

‍9. What farming practices does Zawadi Farm follow?
We embrace sustainable and organic farming methods: No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are used.We follow soil health practices, crop rotation, and natural pest management.We believe in preserving biodiversity and nurturing the environment.For more details, visit our website or feel free to ask us!

‍10. What does ‘shared risk and reward’ mean?
Farming can be unpredictable due to weather, pests, and other factors. As a CSA member, you share the risks (like a smaller harvest in challenging times) and the rewards (extra abundance in a great growing season). Your membership ensures we have the resources to handle these fluctuations and keep producing healthy, local food.

‍11. What if I have questions or concerns during the season?Answer:
Farm Updates: We send a weekly newsletter with farm news, recipes, and essential notices every Tuesday. Urgent updates are also sent via email.
‍Contact Us: Email: orders@zawadi.farmPhone: 416.803.5377
We do our best to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours.

‍12. How can I give feedback or suggestions?Answer:
We value your input! You can email us at csa@zawadi.farm or talk to us during pick-up times. Feedback helps us improve our CSA experience—whether it’s about the share contents, pick-up logistics, or anything else!

‍13. Can I visit the farm?Answer:
Absolutely! We host farm tours and special events for our CSA members throughout the season. We’ll let you know when these events are scheduled. Please note that farm visits are at your own risk; we want to keep everyone safe and healthy.

‍14. How do you protect my personal information?Answer:
Your details are collected and used only for CSA operations (e.g., payment processing communication). We store information securely and never share or sell it. We comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and require your consent to do so.

‍15. What if I need to terminate my membership mid-season?Answer:Before May 1st, 2025: Full refund minus a $25 administrative fee.After May 1st, 2025: Refunds are generally unavailable unless there’s an extraordinary circumstance (e.g., major life change).We also reserve the right to cancel membership due to repeated missed payments or conduct issues.

‍16. How do I confirm my CSA membership?Answer:
When you register online or in person, you’ll check a box agreeing to the terms of our CSA Member Agreement. This is your acknowledgment that you understand and accept our policies on payment, deliveries, risks, and rewards.

‍17. Why is my role so vital in supporting the farm?Answer:
Your CSA membership provides us with the financial stability to plan our planting, cover our operational costs, and invest in sustainable farming methods. In return, you get a direct connection to where and how your food is grown. Your commitment enables us to remain independent, resilient, and dedicated to providing fresh, healthy produce to our local community.

‍Final NoteThank you for joining Zawadi Farm’s CSA in 2025! Your support makes it possible for us to focus on growing nutritious, sustainable food for our community. We look forward to sharing an abundant season with you.For any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out:
‍Phone: 416.803.5377
‍Email: csa@zawadi.farm

‍We can’t wait to welcome you to our farm family!