If you’re a fan of CSA’s, like to support local farms, and prefer to buy locally-sourced products, allow me to introduce you to Culver Family Farms.
Based near Salem, NJ, in Mannington Township, Culver Family Farms’ history as a family-owned and run farm is over 100 years old. Nick and Sarah Culver have taken over the small farm that has been in the family for five generations.
They have pivoted from strictly wholesale to a direct-to-consumer operation in recent years. They set up an ecommerce website where customers can place an order, and it will be delivered straight from the farm to the customer’s door in the tri-state area. The delivery schedule depends on the customer’s region – Southeastern Pennsylvania on Wednesday, Northern Delaware on Thursday, and South Jersey on Friday.
Much of their sustainable produce is grown year-round in a hydroponic greenhouse, and what is not is sourced from other local farms and local food producers. Customers can select from fruit, vegetables, herbs, meats, sauces, honey, coffee, chocolate, and various pantry items.
Their model is similar to that of a traditional CSA but varies in that there is no commitment, no upfront cost, and offers flexibility. The customer can choose what they want from the website rather than receiving a generic, predetermined weekly box, and no subscription is necessary. You order what you want/need from the website with no minimum order, and it gets delivered to your door. All orders over $35 receive free delivery.
Folks can pick up orders from the farm or Sickler Circle View Farm in Monroeville on Saturdays. City folks can pick up orders from Local PHL Market at 1135 Pine Street on Fridays.
Sarah also makes a new recipe every week for purchase or simply for inspiration on the website using high-quality, local ingredients.
I recently placed an order online and had it delivered to my home. I placed the order Wednesday and arrived on Friday around lunchtime. I spent around $50, and this is what I received. The money, I think, was well-spent as I supported a local small business and other small businesses they carry.
Here’s what I ordered:
- Bok Choy from Culver Family Farms
- Rainbow Chard from Culver Family Farms
- Cucumber from Culver Family Farms
- Ground Beef from Sickler Circle View Farms ($8.99/lb)
- All Pork Kielbasa from Sickler Circle View Farms ($9.99/lb)
- Fresh Cut Dill from Culver Family Farms
- Fresh Cut Mint from Culver Family Farms
- Pizza Sauce (2) from First Field
- BBQ Sauce from Billy B’s
Please note that the size of the produce is XXXL. It’s not a tiny quantity. I feel that it is excellent value for the money. The whole process was seamless. I received an email confirmation when I placed the order, and they texted me to tell me when the order was delivered personally by Sarah. I thanked her before she took off for her next delivery.
I can highly recommend trying this South Jersey farm delivery service. Tell them that South Jersey Food Scene sent you!
Marilyn is a freelance writer covering the food and drink scene of South Jersey. You can find more of her writing on Philly Grub and NewsBreak.