History of CSA
Dr. Booker T. Whatley, (b. November 5, 1915 in Calhoun County, AL, d. September 3, 2005 in Montgomery, AL) was a horticulturist and agricultural professor at Tuskegee University in Alabama. Tuskegee University Archives
Dr. Booker T. Whatley revolutionized modern small-farm practices by creating the foundation for today's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model. He championed direct relationships between farmers and consumers, urging families to invest in a farm's harvest upfront so farmers could plan confidently, reduce risk, and focus on high-quality production. Whatley pushed small farmers to diversify their crops, use sustainable methods, and build loyal customer bases through what he called "clientele membership clubs." He empowered farmers to thrive by giving them tools, systems, and bold ideas that reshaped local food economies. His work still guides how small farms strengthen their communities, stabilize their income, and feed families with dignity and connection.
Source:
Whatley, Booker T. Booker T. Whatley's Handbook on How to Make $100,000 Farming 25 Acres. Rodale Press, 1987.
About CSA
CSA program connects community members with farms through mutual support. Members pledge to share the risks and benefits of food production, enabling farmers to focus on sustainable practices and producing high-quality food.
How it works
A farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products such as fruit, eggs, dairy and even meat may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (or subscription) and in return receive a delivery of seasonal produce each week, or every other week, throughout the farming season. Deliveries are made to designated locations at consistent times.
1
Sign Up
Sign up to your CSA portal and choose a share size/produce box that fits your needs.
2
Harvest Time
Receive a weekly or bi-weekly share of the freshest produce from our partnering farms.
3
Connect
Engage with members, and be the part of our community centered around fresh, local food.
CSA's Impact
Listen to testimonials from our community members.
This has been amazing. It has been of great quality and great to have all of this, you know, just ready each week...
Ben Hughes
CSA Member since 2021
This is an amazing resource to have here in the Bronx, where farmers are far and few between, and we're really grateful that it's here...
Rebecca Saunders-Weiss
CSA Member since 2022
I had a wonderful year-round experience with the Bronx CSA. They offered a variety of fruits and vegetables, which was a pleasant surprise...
Nicomedis Horton
CSA Member since 2025
Our CSA Program Benefits
Why you should choose our program
Seasonal Delights
Experience a culinary journey with our diverse selection of seasonal produce, thoughtfully curated for your enjoyment. Through our partnerships with local farmers, we provide a variety of seasonal produce and fruits weekly. This unique approach distinguishes us from other CSA programs that offer weekly repetitive produce or do not include fruit shares.
Locally Grown Goodness
Staying true to Brooker T. Whatley's mission, UBHP actively collaborates with marginalized local farmers to highlight their representation in agriculture and within our community.
Sustainability Matters
At UBHP, we actively serve our community beyond our CSA program. We strive to make sustainability accessible to everyone. To support this mission, we have set up a clothing donation bin and collect food scraps from residents to create nutrient-rich compost for our community garden.
Connect with Community
Our CSA program is located in convenient locations, which feature activities for children, live cooking demonstrations, live music, and a variety of vendors and partnerships. This environment creates a space where residents can come together and engage with the community weekly.
Quality Accessibilty
We reduce the distance between farmers and the city, and ensure our CSA members receive the finest organic, handpicked produce every time, making our program more accessible to urban residents.
Convenient Pickup Locations
Staying true to our name, we have pickup locations in Harlem and The Bronx, making it easy for you to access your share.
Flexible Membership
We proudly offer you the highest quality, handpicked produce at affordable prices. Unlike large chain supermarkets, we maintain consistent pricing for our produce. Additionally, we accept SNAP/EBT, making our offerings more accessible to a range of individuals.
Locations
Harlem
330 St Nicholas Ave,
New York, NY 10027
Every Thursday, June 5 - October 30
4pm - 7pm
Bronx
Bronx Park, 2045 Bronx Park E, Brady Playground, Bronx, NY 10462
Every Sunday, June 22 - November 23
10am - 3pm
Share Options
Get share options with our convenient pickup service
Vegetables Weekly
$25/wk
Get fresh, seasonal veggies with our convenient CSA share pickup service.
Half/Bi-weekly Share
$275/11-weeks
Get fresh, seasonal veggies with our convenient CSA share pickup service.
Full Season
$550/22-weeks
Get fresh, seasonal veggies with our convenient CSA share pickup service.
Add-On Products
Add more variety with optional products
Fruits
$12/wk
Delight in the sweetness of freshly picked small fruits with out convenient weekly CSA share pickup service.
Eggs
$7/wk
Elevate your breakfast game wih our pasture-raised eggs CSA share.
Compost Drop-off
Harlem Accepts
Fruit & Vegetable Scraps and Spoils
Nutshells & Chopped Seeds
Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags
Eggshells
Yard Waste (grass, leaves, plant clippings)
Bronx Accepts
ALL leaf and yard waste, including flowers
ALL food scraps, including meat, bones, shells, and dairy
Prepared and cooked foods
Products certified or labeled compostable.
How to add more products to your share?
1
Log in to your CSA portal and add share option to the cart
2
Proceed to checkout. You will get option to add more products
3
Choose add-on products and pay with your preferred method
