What is a sliding scale?

“The sliding scale is a tool that allows for a product or service to be obtained at multiple price points based on the circumstances of the purchaser.”

We want the food we grow to be enjoyed by all kinds of people, and we recognize that too often, local, organic food is only affordable and accessible for people with wealth and privilege.

So for us, a sliding scale is a tool for building economic justice that invites our CSA members to consider their relationship to class, income, and privilege when paying for their membership.

Why a sliding scale?

We’re committed to building a more just economy. While we don’t know exactly what that looks like, we’re committed to experimenting with alternatives, so we started offering sliding scale CSA payments in 2022.

Part of our commitment is offering ways for folks who couldn’t otherwise afford it to enjoy our produce; so is offering ways for our members to give back and redistribute their resources if they choose.

How does it work?

We use a managed sliding scale. If you identify as lower-income/wealth, you can pay 20% less than market rate; if you identify as someone with significant access to resourcs, you can decide to pay 20% more than market rate.

You have three options for regular season CSA shares:

• Market rate: $440 for half shares / $875 for full shares
• Lower-income/wealth option: $350 for half / $700 for full
• Higher income/wealth option: $535 for half / $1050 for full

In 2022, about 15% of our members opted for the pay what you can price, and about 5% opted for the lower-income/wealth price. We also offer payment plans and distribute produce through our Food Access Fund.

In short, you can choose which price you pay for your CSA. What you pay is up to you, and we’re not going to check or verify anything. We trust our members to actively and honestly assess their relationship to class, income, and privilege when deciding what to pay for their CSA. (We like to reference the list of factors over at Little Red Bird Botanicals).