New CSA Arrives in Columbia St. - Red Hook Area

Despite what Game of Thrones promos would have you believe, spring is coming.

With it, a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables will soon be available from local farms. Now is the time to sign up for a CSA in New York City and, fortunately for Columbia Waterfront and Red Hook residents, a new option has just become available.

El Poblano Farm CSA arrives thanks to the efforts of a group of community volunteers led by Erica Dorn. Dorn first met El Poblano’s farmer Gudelio Garcia through her work as a microlender at Accion. After receiving a small loan, followed by training through GrowNYC’s New Farmer Development Program, Gudelio was able to launch his Staten Island-based farm in 2010.

Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Gudelio developed his skills working on farms there, in Chiapas and Veracruz, before emigrating to the U.S. in 2000 and spending 10 years in the restaurant and construction industries, according to a release by Just Food.

“He’s a really incredible person, with the way he engages with the community," says Dorn. "He produces specialty Mexican herbs and vegetables and shows people how to use them."

The El Poblano Farm CSA will run from June through October. The Red Hook distribution site will have pickup on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and at Socrates Sculpture Park on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For those interested in joining the Red Hook CSA, or who want to find out about CSAs in their own communities throughout New York City, visit Just Food’s website, http://justfood.org/csaloc.