We Wouldn’t Ask for It if We Didn’t Have To!
Statement From Our Founder
Dear Good Neighbor Subscribers,
Whether you realized it or not, by participating in this CSA, you’ve been part of an ecological, economical, and community-driven experiment—one rooted in care, reciprocity, and connection.
For the past 11 years, the simple act of receiving and returning this black box has been an invitation to engage in a shared relationship with your neighbors—human and non-human alike. This practice wasn’t just about logistics; it was a step toward embracing nature’s gift economy, where participation is an act of free will, choice, and stewardship. Each time you placed your box on the porch or returned it to the barn, you contributed to a cycle of trust, resourcefulness, and sustainability with your neighbors.
And together, we did something remarkable. The majority of you kept the black box in rotation, saving us hundreds of dollars, making real food affordable and accessible to as many people as possible while maintaining a significantly low carbon footprint. In fact, one single black box was exchanged 624 times over its 11.5-year life among us—a testament to the power of sharing. Sharing is not only caring for each other, but it’s also an act of kindness toward nature, proving that small, mindful actions can have a lasting impact.
Of course, this CSA isn’t for everyone. It’s not about customization or convenience, but about embracing what nature provides and committing to a low-waste way of being. And yet, even within this challenge, we moved closer and closer to something meaningful—like a bell curve approaching zero, never quite reaching perfection but always striving toward it.
At this time, the black boxes are no longer available for sale, and our CSA is growing, so we must adopt a new container for exchange while simultaneously celebrating what we’ve built together. A deposit will be required for the new containers to help us keep the system running smoothly.
Thank you for your participation, your efforts, and your willingness to be part of this journey. The dream of a more connected, thoughtful, and sustainable community is alive because of you… and this beloved black box’s legacy.