2022 Thimble Island Ocean Farm CSF Program
Over a decade ago, we launched the first shellfish and seaweed Community Supported Fishery (CSF) in the country. We created a way for members to source local seafood and breathe life back into our oceans. GreenWave is relaunching our CSF and partnering with local restaurants to serve up a scrumptious mix of oysters, mussels, clams, and kelp - even kelp bagels and schmear!
By purchasing a share of the farm’s harvest, CSF members use their buying power to ensure the success of local farms by paying for shellfish and kelp seed, equipment repairs, and farm improvements for the season ahead. With farmers and community members all in the same boat, CSF members get the highest quality seafood. In return, farmers and growers are guaranteed a reliable market and livelihood.
2022 Shares - Coming Soon!
Our 2022 CSF will kick off Spring 2022. Join the waitlist and get first dibs when we have openings.
+ How do shares work?
A CSF share is a 6-month subscription to Thimble Island Ocean Farm’s harvest from May to October 2022.
Each month, members receive a mix of seaweed and shellfish. Month to month, the Farm Box will feature a different assortment of oysters, mussels, or clams and a variety of kelp products. We team up with GreenWave partners like AKUA and local restaurants like Olmo and Tavern on State to serve a range of kelp dishes, everything from fresh sugar kelp to specialty products like bagels and schmear, krab cakes, and burgers.
CSF shares will be available for pick up once a month from May to October (total of 6 shares).
+ How much does it cost to become a CSF member?
The 2022 TIOF CSF member fees are $250 for a 6-month mixed shellfish and kelp share.
+ Where do I pick up my share?
2022 CSF shares will be available for pick up in New Haven, CT on the last Saturday of the month May to October 2022.
+ What is the Sponsored Share Program?
We’re committed to increasing access to local, sustainably grown seafood. Consider participating in our Sponsored Share Program, either by contributing a CSF share or by receiving a share. If you're interested in donating a CSF share, simply purchase the "Sponsored Share" option. Sponsored Shares will be redistributed to community members in New Haven, CT.
+ What are the advantages of the Thimble Island Ocean Farm CSF?
- Eat Local, Sustainable Seafood: By committing to the share, you are guaranteed a supply of fresh, traceable, sustainable seafood at a reasonable price.
- Invest in the Community: As a CSF member, your food dollars stay local which strengthens our community and contributes to a resilient and bountiful local food system. Through our Sponsored Share program, you can support our work to increase access to fresh, sustainably grown seafood.
- Support Your Farmer: Your participation will keep our farm afloat and honors the knowledge and experience of growers and producers working with small farms. Sharing the costs, risks, and bounty of growing food with farmers helps us weather storms and ensures that we can continue to grow local, sustainable seafood in Connecticut for years to come.
- Take Climate Action: Regenerative ocean farming is recognized as a climate solution powerhouse and the most sustainable form of food production on the planet. These farms support the biodiversity of ocean reefs by growing a mix of seaweed and shellfish that act in concert to revive ecosystems. Each crop requires zero inputs—no freshwater, land, fertilizer, or feed—and plays a vital role in breathing life back into our oceans. For example, a single adult oyster can filter as much as 50 gallons of water a day and seaweed has the power to sequester carbon on land and sea.
- Seed Future Farms: In addition to maintaining farm operations, the CSF fees will go towards GreenWave to train and support regenerative ocean farmers.
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