The Beet Box CSA

The “Beet Box” is an equitable CSA (community supported agriculture) box. It not only supports a diverse group of under-supported small organic and pesticide-free farmers growing a diverse array of vegetables on land ranging from 3-40 acres, it also supports and sustains a small chain of clinic and community based farmers’ markets in North Oakland. Each box provides a $2 voucher for a family suffering from diet related diseases (at the clinic where the market is located) to try eating fresh produce from the farmers’ market. The box is available for pickup on Saturday afternoon through Sunday in a variety of Oakland and Berkeley locations. Want to know more about the Beet Box? Check out our FAQ document here

We have pickup locations in Oakland and Berkeley. To see our current locations, visit the signup form.

We work to support small farmers and farmer of color that grow the freshest pesticide free and organic produce. Click below and meet some of our farmers that sell at our farmers; markets and contribute to our BEET BOX.

• Scott’s Family Farm- Mr. Scott farms a wide range of fruits and vegetables in Fresono, Ca.  He grows using organic methods, but is not certified-organic. Mr. Scott is currently the president of the African American Farmers Association of California.  You can read more about Will Scott Jr’s mission to bring healthy food to the people here.
• Avalos Organic Farm – Efren Avalos started life as a farmer in Los Cruces, Michoacan, Mexico, before moving to California at age 17. He worked for over 10 years as a strawberry farm worker before starting his own business, a mixed vegetable organic farm in Hollister.  Efren was participate of the RDC program to help farmer workers start their own farm now known as ALBA.  Efren runs the farm himself, with occasional help from his brother and nephew, often tending his fields from 6:30AM til 9PM. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, Efren is still open to learning new lessons, and says there’s no better education that what he learns on the farm.
• Brent Walker’s “An Urban Patch Farm”- North Oakland.  Brent Walker is a North Oakland resident.  He tends two garden plots in North Oakland, growing mostly salad mix and baby greens for the Beet Box and Kale and Collards for the neighborhood.  He just received the opportunity to put 1.5 acres of land under production in Pinole, Ca and we hope to support his efforts as his operation grows!
• Firme Farms – Richard Firme is a true family farmer; born in Holtville, CA in the Imperial Valley, he and his family had a small dairy and raised alfalfa, oats and tomatoes. Later they moved to French Camp near Stockton, and farmed 300 acres togther for more than 20 years. His father was one of the first Filipino farmers in California. Richard has been farming on his own for the last 30 years, on approximately 20 acres in Stockton.
• Vang Family Farm – Vang Family Farm is located on 15 acres in Merced, California. Seng Vang and his family are from Thailand and are of the Hmong ethnic group. Seng’s parents set up the farm after moving from Thailand. Vang Family Farm is one of the first farms we worked with on this project, and for great reason — they grow a wide range of  fruits and vegetables using organic methods but are NOT CERTIFIED ORGANIC, including some unique Asian produce like Chinese broccoli and lemongrass. They have 4 unheated hoop houses which allow them to have all sorts of early and late vegetables, as well as subtropical fruits and flowers.
• J’nJ Farms- Jorge Ramos provides a wide variety of fruits and nuts.  His crops are spray free, but are NOT ORGANIC.  Meaning no pesticides are used in production, but conventional fertilizers are used.  Jorge is hoping to begin the transition to organic production in the next year.

The box offers a wide range of seasonal produce with an average of 11-14 items per “full share” box and 7-9 items per “half share.” Here is a sample list of items for March:

• Bunched Carrots
• Romaine Lettuce
• Beets
• Kale
• Chard
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Green onions
• Red Potatoes
• Garlic
• Mandarins
• Oranges

If you would like to pay by EBT/WIC, or you are a senior that qualifies for FMNP senior checks, or in a low-income situation, please email us for reduced price options. We will work with you to figure out payment and pricing that meets your needs! Email csa@phatbeetsproduce.org.