please read Holland's update from March 4th.
Is there a deadline to sign up?
If there's room, new customers can join in on the fun with 1-2 weeks' notice through to mid-November. Please e-mail us at any time if you are interested in getting a box on a weekly or biweekly basis.
How much does this cost?
The mini box is $15/week.
The small box is $25/week.
The large box is $40/week.
To guarantee your spot, we ask that you pay a deposit in advance (cash or post-dated cheque) equivalent to the cost of your first month of boxes. After that, we will require monthly prepayment, which is due on the last Wednesday (Langford/Metchosin) or Thursday (Fernwood) of the previous month (eg. you prepay for July on the last pick-up date of June).
What do I get in a Bluff Box?
A fantastic selection of fresh-picked, organically grown vegetables from Metchosin's Sea Bluff Farm. See Sample Box Contents for even more details.
- NEW! Mini Box ($15/week): Inspired by Josh Volk's mini CSA, this will be an individualized share (perfect for singles), consisting of 3–4 basic items (salad, a root vegetable/s, fruit (cherry tomatoes/strawberries)—just some simple things. The Mini box contents should easily fit into 1 small-sized grocery bag.
- Small box ($25/week): With this box, you can expect 7–8 different types of produce each week—the contents will vary by the month and by the week (see Sample Box Contents). This size is best for single people who eat a lot of vegetables, cost-conscious people, and families that don't eat a lot of veggies. The Small box contents should fit comfortably into 1-2 normal-sized grocery bags.
- Large box ($40/week): Also known as the "family" box, this box contains 8–9 different types of produce and larger quantities of some items—the contents will vary by the month and by the week (See Sample Box Contents). It's best for vegetable-loving couples, families, and folks sharing a box. The Large box contents should fit into 2-3 normal-sized grocery bags.
But I don't like celeriac/beets/carrots/etc? Can I make substitutions to the box contents?
Sorry, but substitutions are not possible in Bluff Boxes. That makes things complicated (and more costly). But we are open to on-the-spot trading. And we have Recipes to share that will turn all you "haters" into lovers.
I don't eat a lot of veggies and/or I can't afford a weekly commitment. Can I get a box every other week?
In 2012, we have a "Mini" ($15) box and we can also accommodate biweekly (every second week) boxes. Please e-mail us for details.
Where will I be picking up my vegetables?
There are 3 options: Langford or Sea Bluff Farm (Wednesdays) OR Fernwood (Thursdays). The Langford location is in Westhills, not too far from the bowling alley and Glenwood Meats. Sea Bluff Farm is located at 565 Wootton Road in Metchosin. The Fernwood location is near the intersection of Cook & Bay and very close to George Jay Elementary School. (If you live in Fernwood, it should be a short walk or bike ride from your home.) Once you sign up, we will e-mail you the exact address.
Do I have to be a Fernwood or Langford or Metchosin resident to participate?
No, we don't mind where you live as long as you are able to pick up your box once a week. We advocate the use of active transportation (walking, biking, skateboarding, etc) or public transit when coming to pick up your box.
What if I can't pick up my box on a particular Wednesday/Thursday?
If you e-mail us the name of a friend or family member at least 1 week in advance, that person can pick up your box for you (or e-mail us and we can make other arrangements). Bluff Box produce will keep well if stored properly for at least one week. If you are going on vacation, we can put a hold on any prepaid boxes for up to 2 weeks.
What if I'm going on vacation for more than 2 weeks?
If you know you'll be away for more than 2 Wednesdays/Thursdays in a particular month, let us know by e-mail ASAP. We don't expect you to prepay for boxes you can't pick up but we'd not to carry a huge credit for you either. So, if you let us know before the 1st of the month, you can pay only for the boxes you will pick up in a particular month (preferred solution) OR, with 2 weeks' notice, we can credit your account (to a maximum of 2 boxes).
What if I forget to pick up my box during the designated time?
Your unclaimed produce will be bagged up and an e-mail will be sent to you with instructions on how and where to pick it up.
Ooops, it's Friday and I just realized I forgot to pick up my box!!! What do I do?
Contact us ASAP. Forget your box more than once and we'll be somewhat annoyed. Forget your box more than twice and we may recommend that you try another means of buying vegetables.
Omigod, it's Saturday and I forgot to pick up my box!!! What do I do?
Enjoy the knowledge that your produce has been donated to an agency serving some of Victoria and Langford's less fortunate residents. (We'd hate to see good vegetables go to waste!)
What do I do with Garlic Scapes/Hubbard Squash/Sunchokes/etc.?
Most vegetables taste delicious when you fry them in butter, roast them, or make soup! Also check the Recipes page or e-mail us if you are stumped or overwhelmed by an abundance of a particular item.
Can I visit the farm where all this great produce is grown?
Sea Bluff Farm is a working farm so drop-by visits aren't advised (except to pick up your Bluff Box), however, we offered a special farm tour for last year's Bluff Box participants and hope to do the same in 2012. (Stay tuned for more details.)
Isn't what you're charging expensive for a box of veggies expensive?
Yes, you can buy cheaper produce elsewhere but it likely will not have been grown organically and locally. We have tried to price the Bluff Box fairly and affordably and endeavour to provide good value but realize that it still may not fit everyone's budget. By participating in the Bluff Box program, you are helping to create a more localized economy and directly supporting a farmer trying to earn a living by growing food to feed a community that imports the majority of its food from off-Island. (Also, the price of food worldwide is on the rise, so everyone, regardless of income, is going to need to adjust to paying more to eat.)
But you haven't answered my question?
Sorry about that but it's hard to anticipate every question. E-mail it to us and we'll do our best to reply quickly (and then post the Q&A here).
Updated June 8, 2012
