Porter Farms is the largest CSA in the area. They presently support 500 members with the capacity for an additional one hundred or more. This family owned and operated farm has been certified organic for 17 years and has operated as a CSA for the last 11.
Located halfway between Buffalo and Rochester in Elba, NY, Porter Farms has the advantage of servicing both of WNY’s largest cities. Buffalo members take turns driving out to the farm and bringing shares back for particular pickup locations in Buffalo, Amherst, Kenmore, Tonawanda, and Grand Island.
Porter Farms' commitment to the community goes beyond their CSA as evidenced in their initiation of many outreach programs. For example, in Buffalo they’ve worked with students from MAP, the Bennett Park Montessori, and the East Side’s We Care Neighborhood Block Club. They also maintain an agreement with St. Joseph University Church, donating one bag of produce to the church’s pantry for every 15 parish members who participate in the CSA. If you are involved in a community organization, school, or church and might be interested in similar programs, please call the farm, as they’re always looking for ways to enrich the community.
Another Porter Farms innovation is the Guest Bag Program. Non-member guests can try out the CSA with a complimentary bag. Just call the farm, provide your information and say where you'd like the bag delivered. If you would like to join after sampling the week's offerings, the farm will pro-rate the price of a share.
Porter Farms’ produce can also be found at retail locations like the Lexington Co-op and at the Feel-Rite stores located on Maple and Transit Roads.
For more information about the environmental and economic impact of food and agriculture, consider attending Buffalo's World on Your Plate Forum.
Porter Farms
The Porter Family
585.757.6823
www.porterfarms.org