Farm Shares from Hilltop Farm

Looking for more details about our Farm Shares?  Check out the information below about the types of Farm Shares we offer, schedule, pickup locations, cost, and more.

What types of Farm Shares does Hilltop Farm offer?

At Hilltop Farm, we are proud to offer Produce and Egg Farm Shares.  We are offering one Produce Share size in 2012 - similar to a "Half Share" and enough produce for two adults.  Each week, our Produce Share will include 6 to 8 different items (veggies and fruit), with each item being at least enough for a side dish for two people.  If you are feeding more than two people each week, you may purchase a second produce share and we'll give you a discount on the second share!  If you're interested in a larger share, please contact us for more information. 

Interested in adding farm-fresh eggs to your weekly share?  You can choose from two Egg Share sizes - one dozen eggs each week and one-half dozen eggs each week. 

Where and when can I pick up my Shares?

Our Produce and Egg Shares will be available for pickup at three locations.  Members may pick up shares at our farm in Westport on Thursdays.  On Wednesdays, members may pick up shares either at the Temple Israel parking lot in Natick, MA or at our new location in Milton, MA (exact location to be determined very soon!).  Our on-farm pickup will be on Thursday afternoons from 4 pm to 6 pm.  Pickup at the Natick location will be on Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 7 pm, and pickup at Milton will be from 5:00 to 5:30 pm. 

When does the Farm Share season begin?

The Farm Share season will begin in June and continue through October (20 weeks).

What can I expect to find in my Produce Share?

• In June, you can expect to enjoy early-season lettuce, kale, cabbage, radishes, and peas.
• During later weeks, we’ll also be harvesting tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions, garlic, eggplant, peppers (sweet and hot!), broccoli, melons, winter and summer squash, and much more.
• Each week, we’ll also be able to offer you a variety of fresh herbs to enhance your cooking.
• In addition to tradtional veggies and fruits, we also grow some veggies you may not be so familiar with.  We love introducing our members to new flavors - you may discover a new favorite!
• Please check out the descriptions of our produce varieties to learn more!

Will I be able to choose which types of produce I receive in my Share?

We understand that everyone has "likes" and "dislikes."  Each week, we will offer a few extra "swap" items.  This means that if you don't want a particular item in your share in a given week, you can trade it for a different item from the "Swap Bin."  During the enrollment process, we'll ask you about items you especially like or dislike.  Then, as we are harvesting each week, we can make sure that we offer some alternatives if one of the Share items is on a member's "dislike" list.  We want you to be 100% happy with your Share every week!

What is the cost of a Farm Share?

For new members in 2012, a 20-week Produce Share will cost $375.  The cost of 20-week Egg Shares will be $50 for one-half dozen each week and $100 for one dozen each week.  For members picking up Shares at our Natick location, there will be a $25 delivery fee for the season (this works out to $1.25 each week).  The delivery fee helps us pay for the fuel necessary for the 150-mile round-trip drive.

How can I pay for my Farm Shares?

Once you have completed the enrollment process, we will send you a confirmation email along with an invoice, payable by check.  We appreciate payment in full at enrollment, as this helps us pay for equipment and supplies we need to begin the growing season.  However, we are well aware that making the entire payment all at once may be difficult.  If this is the case, you may make a downpayment of $100 when you receive our invoice and pay the remaining balance before June 1, 2012.

Do you require members to work at the farm?

In a word, no.  We understand that members may have very busy or unpredictable schedules, health conditions, or other considerations that would make it difficult to commit to work hours at the farm.  Additionally, we don't think it's fair to ask members in the Natick area to drive all the way to Westport!  Having said this, we are overjoyed when members volunteer to help us out with harvesting, weeding, and other tasks.  If you want to volunteer some time at the farm, we are happy to put you to work.  It's great exercise in a beautiful setting, a wonderful opportunity to relax and share a great experience with your family.

When you're ready to sign up, visit our Member Sign-Up page, where we'll ask you a few questions about the type of Farm Share(s) you would like to purchase.