For the first time ever last week I tried a farm share. I’ve been curious about it for a while and I finally took the plunge with Share Family Dinner, a service based in Somerville. I loved it.
Share Family Dinner is different from a typical CSA or Farm Share for a few reasons. They portion the food out so you can order for 1-2 people, 3-4, etc. instead of receiving 65 pounds of turnips. They also provide many different types of food, not just vegetables. Each share comes with protein, grains, fruits and veggies, and dessert. So it’s kind of a cross between a meal kit service and a farm share.
I did a double share which is meant for 3-4 people because I wanted to use it as my grocery shopping for the week. That worked out really well, I used all the food and only had to buy a few minor items during the week. Here’s what I received: scallops, beef patties, corn, tomatoes, onions, kale, brioche, greek yogurt, mushrooms, grapes, mustard, garlic salt, shortbread cookies and a chocolate croissant. All of these are locally sourced from farmers and bakers in the area.
What you’re actually going to get is a surprise, you find out the day before it arrives. I like that because it forces me to use new ingredients and try new recipes. Share Family Dinner sends out an e-mail the day before the delivery about what they’re bringing and some recipe ideas for how you can make it.
I also have to note, I happened to have an insane schedule the day of my delivery and they rearranged their drop off schedule to accommodate me which was EXTREMELY generous. My share typically would cost $89, I got it for $45 with a half off first time user coupon. You can try your own share for 50% with my link here.
I think that $89 is a very reasonable price for what you get in the share. But it’s a little expensive for me to afford every week. I’m hoping to make this a monthly or bi-monthly special treat! Share Family Dinner allows you to skip shares or cancel any time so you’re not tied to a monetary commitment.
Have you tried a farm share before? What was your experience?