CSA Offseason | UK Human Resources

Visit this page to learn about 2023's CSA voucher program and participating farms.

Your CSA voucher program

You have purchased a share of your farm’s harvest before the season starts and committed to being a shareholder for the entire designated season. So, make room in your refrigerator for your weekly box or bag of farm vegetables and sometimes fruit and herbs as well!

The UK HR Health and Wellness CSA Voucher program makes this experience easier for you by providing a $100 or $200 voucher toward the purchase of a CSA share. In addition to the above, you receive:

Opportunities to get to know your local farmers and learn more about where your food comes from.
Seasonal tips and recipes for the produce in your weekly shares. Join our dedicated Facebook group here and subscribe to our blog here so you never miss a post.

Check out our YouTube channel Join us for unboxing tips and recipes!

CSA tips and recipes

Vegetable storage

CSA 101: Basil

CSA 101: Summer Squash

Frequently asked questions

How long does a CSA typically last?

Farms provide weekly farm shares throughout the Kentucky growing season of spring-fall. The duration and start/end dates vary by farm. Generally, a 20-22 week and May-October timeframe is common for our 2022 participating farms. When you become a CSA member, your farm will communicate the necessary information to their specific shareholders.

What is included in a weekly CSA share?

Shares vary based on the farm and the time of year. Farms grow various crops and each week different fruits and vegetables are growing into and out of maturity. Many farms show examples of past shares on their websites and social media platforms. Please keep in mind that each CSA season can be different depending on several variables such as heat, rain, soil, and labor, although every farm takes measures to deliver quality weekly shares as they are able.

How much food is included in a weekly CSA share?

The quantity of produce in each CSA share varies by farm and by week, depending on how much was harvested. The average weekly share will offer a seasonal variety of items (5-9 in a small/mini share and 6-12 in a large/regular share). An "item" is sometimes a bunch, bundle, or bag amount, not just a singular vegetable. Typically, a regular/full/large share is designed to supply two adults, or a small household, with most of their weekly produce needs, while a small/mini share is designed to supplement weekly produce needs for one to two adults. Check out the farm profiles on our CSA main page for an idea on typical June shares – June is when KY summer harvests start to ramp up!

How much does a CSA cost?

The cost of a CSA varies by farm and by the size of the share. Typically, without a voucher, the cost of a regular share ranges from about $530 to $900 (subtract $200 with voucher use) and a small share is about $320 to $675 (subtract $100 with voucher use).
Some farms even offer an extra-large share for larger households, so be sure to note that if you are feeding more people at home or splitting with another family!

Why become a CSA member?

A CSA offers several unique benefits:

You will experience the diversity of locally grown, fresh produce.
You get to know your farmer and how your food is grown. Some farms offer members-only access to tours, events, and you-picks. If that access is important to you, you can choose your farm accordingly!
Many farms offer customization features such as the ability to pause your share, and either swap items in your share or buy more as needed.
Farms offer many different pickup locations. You can choose the location that is right for you.
You keep your food dollars in your community.

What happens if there is crop failure or bad weather?

CSA is a mutual commitment between a farm and its shareholders. CSA members share in the rewards of a great season and the risks that come with bad weather and pests. Participating farmers have been growing food for many seasons, and they typically grow a variety of crops. This decreases the likelihood that all crops will be ruined from a pest or weather problem, but be sure to read your farm’s CSA Membership agreement to learn more about their individual policies and procedures.

Who is eligible for a voucher?

Any employee on a UK health insurance plan is eligible for a voucher. You may claim your voucher through your HR Health and Wellness dashboard.

How do I get the voucher?

You can access your CSA voucher by signing on to your Health and Wellness dashboard and clicking on the CSA banner at the top of the page. If you do not see a CSA banner, you are likely not eligible for the voucher program.

How do I use my voucher?

The $100 voucher can be used for the following sizes ONLY. Mini, Small, Peck . Essentially, these are the smallest sizes offered by the farm.
The $200 voucher can be used for the following sizes ONLY. Half, Medium, Large, Regular, Half bushel, Full, Abundant, XL, Bushel Robust. Essentially, you may use this voucher on any share EXCEPT the smallest size offered by the farm.

Both UK Organic Farming Unit (South Farm) and Rolling Fork Organic Farm have one single share size. You can only use the $200 voucher toward this share. Be sure to choose the $200 voucher if you want to partner with UK Organic Farming Unit or Rolling Fork Organic Farm.

I claimed the voucher. Now what?

Once you log on to your UK HW Dashboard and claim your voucher, you will receive an email with a code and a link to purchase your share. If you do not receive this email, please check your spam folder as it may end up there. You will then click the link to learn more about your farm choices. Please use your code as well as your UK LinkBlue ID when you sign up with the farm directly to purchase your CSA share.

My partner and I both work at UK. Can we combine our vouchers?

Spouses and partners who are each employees on individual UK health plans may be able to apply both vouchers towards the cost of one share. Please email vanessa.oliver@uky.edu to learn if this is an option for your purchase.

My friend and I both work at UK. Can we share a share?

You can, of course, split a share with whoever you like, and they do not need to work at UK. It would be important and necessary, however, to buy your share using the name of the employee so that the voucher is applied appropriately. Otherwise, you may not receive the discount correctly.

Can my friend/colleague/co-worker/family member give me their voucher?

No. Vouchers are non-transferable and must be in the name of the eligible employee (the one covered by the UK health insurance plan).

Will my taxes be affected if I secure the voucher but don’t buy a share?

Only the CSA purchase with the use of the UK voucher is considered a taxable benefit. If you secure a voucher but don’t use it you will not be taxed or charged in any way.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)