CSAs in the Lehigh Valley: a Comprehensive Guide
Are you on a mission to feed your family the best food possible—fresh, local, nutrient-dense?
Maybe you know that joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm is a great way to do that. You’ll get fresh-picked, seasonal produce, support small farms, and feel good knowing exactly where your food comes from.
But now comes the hard part: choosing the right CSA. There are many options in the Lehigh Valley.
Some CSAs offer farm pick-ups, while others have home delivery routes. Some let you choose what’s in your box, while others provide a set selection each week. One farm might focus on organic vegetables, while another includes dairy, eggs, or even fresh bread.
But there’s the bigger question: Which local CSA farm truly aligns with your values?
You’re not just looking for vegetables—you’re looking for a deeper connection to your food, your farmers, and a way of life that supports real health and sustainability.
We’ve been in your shoes. 
Before we started Willow Haven Farm, we were CSA members ourselves, picking up our farm share from a neighbor’s porch. We remember the excitement of unpacking our box each week, discovering new vegetables, and figuring out how to cook them. That experience shaped our vision for our own farm—one that doesn’t just deliver food but nurtures a community.
So how do you find the best CSA for your family?
This guide will help you ask the right questions, and confidently choose a CSA in the Lehigh Valley that fits your life and values. Maybe you’ll discover that our Market Box CSA fits you the best. But if not, that’s okay. I want you to have a great CSA experience with any of the Lehigh Valley’s excellent organic farmers so that you’ll become a local food supporter and seasonal eater for life.
How to Find CSA farms in the Lehigh Valley
Once you’ve decided that a CSA is the right choice for your family, the next step is finding the right farm—one that fits your needs, lifestyle, and values.
The best resource for exploring CSAs in the greater Lehigh Valley is the CSA Directory on Buy Fresh Buy Local. This directory is region-specific and regularly updated, making it the most reliable way to find farms offering CSA programs near you. You’ll get details on each farm’s offerings, pick-up sites, and farm practices to help you make an informed choice.
Another tool is LocalHarvest.org, which lets you search for CSAs by zip code. While it’s a useful national database, some farm listings may be outdated, so it’s always a good idea to visit the farm’s website or contact them directly to confirm their current CSA details.
Beyond online searches, you can’t beat word of mouth. If someone you know has a great experience with a particular farm’s CSA, there’s a good chance you will too. But if you have particular needs, you’ll want to research your options with your questions in mind.
Once you have a list of potential CSAs, how do you compare them? We’ll walk you through the key questions to ask in the next section.
Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Local CSA
With so many options in the Lehigh Valley, how do you decide which CSA is the best fit for your family?
Each farm has a unique approach so understanding the details will help you make the right choice.
First, decide what matters most to you: convenience or values? This will help you prioritize the answers to all the remaining questions.
Choosing a CSA that aligns with your values—such as organic practices, certifications, or supporting a small, local farm—may require more effort, like driving to a farm pick-up or accepting a set selection of produce.
On the other hand, prioritizing convenience with home delivery might mean missing out on the close-knit community feel of meeting your farmer in person and getting to know other members. But home delivery might be the key to making a CSA work for you. If making sure that the nutrient dense food you need is delivered to your door all year round is the way for you to de-stress so you can provide clean food you can trust to your family – then go for it.
To make this even easier, I’ve put together a How to Choose a CSA Checklist to help you evaluate your options side by side. Download it now and use it as your guide to finding the best CSA for you!
The key is finding the right balance for your family’s needs.
1. What are the pick-up and delivery options?
Convenience matters. I’ve learned that your CSA needs to fit into your life in order for it to make a long term difference. It should be a net positive for your family. If driving to the farm or pick up location at a certain time each week becomes a burden, it’s likely you’ll regret your choice to join.
Some CSAs offer on-farm pick-up, while others have multiple drop-off locations or even home delivery throughout the Lehigh Valley. The key is finding an option that fits seamlessly into your weekly routine.
Farmer Reuben began home delivery to busy, working couples, moms with young children, seniors who can’t get out easily and everyone in between since 2009 – our first year farming. Again and again our farm members tell us what a difference it makes in their lives to have local, organic food they can trust delivered to their door.
It shouldn’t be hard to get nutritious food you need for your family.
2. What types of shares do they offer?
Every CSA structures its shares differently. Some farms offer one standard-size box while others have multiple size options.
Consider how much produce your household can realistically use each week.
A smaller share might be ideal for smaller families or those new to CSA, while larger families or avid home cooks may prefer a larger share.
Pro-Tip: If you want to focus on food security and stocking up food for your family, you’ll definitely want to invest in a “larger” option.
This is where Willow Haven Farm is most unique on the Lehigh Valley CSA scene. We offer three membership levels with incentives and perks to fit your needs. You can read more about our customizable Farmer’s Favorites produce bundles here. We’ll pick the best of the season to start your order but you’ll pick and choose from everything we offer that week.
When comparing and choosing a CSA, you’ll want to decide how important your level of choice is to you.
- Experience and learn to eat with the season using what is planned by the farmer as a set share
- Choose what you want from a farm stand using your pre-paid credits?
- Full control of your local produce and food selections and less trips to the grocery store?
What’s in the Box? Understanding CSA Offerings
Each farm offers a different variety of products in their CSA, and understanding what you’ll actually get each week is key to making the right choice.
3. What kind of produce does the CSA provide?
Not all CSAs grow the same types of crops.
Some focus exclusively on staple vegetables, while others offer a diverse mix of greens, root vegetables, heirloom varieties, and even fruit.
Ask yourself:
- Do you want a wide variety, or do you prefer a more “normal” selection?
- Does the farm provide extras like herbs, fruit or interesting varieties you don’t find in a store?
- Does the farm provide a list or guide of what to expect during the season?
4. Can you add extras like eggs, fruit, dairy, meat or bread?
Some CSAs are strictly produce-only, while others allow you to customize your share with farm-fresh add-ons like pastured eggs, raw milk, sourdough bread, meat or even chef-made ready to eat items.
Think about how much you’d love to replace grocery store trips with farm-fresh food from trusted local sources.
Lehigh Valley CSA farms offer many add ons. You’ll need to decide what you want from you farmer and how much choice and commitment you want to make to each “extra.”
When we started offering “add on” shares, members committed to a whole season of that item in whatever variety we chose. For instance, weekly eggs; or a rotation of local cheeses picked by the farmer or cheesemaker. You’ll find add-ons like this from several farms. Just remember, you commit for a set number of weeks and you don’t get to choose your varieties – enjoy the experience of trying new foods.
Other farms offer “add ons” that you choose when you select from their market stand or online shop.
A fully customizable Market Box Style CSA allows you to add anything in the online store to your box. You customize your produce, then add specific items according to your desire. Want to see what it looks like to shop for a Market Box?
6. What are the Farm’s Growing Practices?
The way your food is grown matters.When comparing CSAs, look at the farm’s values and practices:
- Certified Organic – The farm follows strict USDA organic standards, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This involves extra fees and hours of paperwork to complete each year which is often difficult for small farm businesses to maintain. Soil health is supposed to be a part of organic farming but USDA organic certifiers have allowed compromises when it comes to soil based farming when they approved “hydroponic farming” which involves no soil at all. Just so you know.
- Beyond Organic, Naturally Grown, Regenerative, Bio-Dynamic or Organically Grown – Some small farms use organic methods but choose not to go through the costly certification process. Sometimes they’ll even use extra practices that build soil health but aren’t necessarily a part of any particular certification.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It’s a farming approach that uses a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Some farms use IPM as an alternative to organic practices, reducing chemical use while still allowing synthetic and chemical interventions when needed.
You’ll need to pay attention to the words used by each farm in describing their practices. If you have questions about what they mean, ask the farmers. They are usually happy and willing to explain. If you want to ask me questions, email us at farmer@willowhavenfarmpa.com
7. How Long is the CSA Season?
Not all CSAs run for the same length of time. Some are strictly summer-based, while others offer extended or even year-round options.
- Short Season (10–12 weeks) – A great choice if you want to try a CSA without a long commitment.
- Full Season (20–26 weeks) – Covers spring, summer, and fall harvests.
- Year-Round CSA – Some farms offer winter shares with storage crops, greenhouse grown greens, mushrooms, eggs, dairy, bread and other farm goods. Farm members love knowing they can rely on real, local food all year long. Willow Haven Farm offers a 50 week, year round CSA.
Pro-Tip: One thing to consider is, where will you get fresh farm food when your CSA season ends? You’ll develop new skills and healthy habits that will promote your well being and change your tastes. What options will you have next winter?
How to choose CSA that Works for Your Life: Payment Options & Flexibility
One of the biggest concerns when joining a CSA is flexibility—because let’s be honest, life doesn’t always follow a perfect schedule. What happens if you go on vacation? How do payments work? What if you’re new to CSA and not sure if it’s the right fit?
Different farms handle these questions in different ways, so here’s what to consider when choosing a CSA that fits your needs.
8. What Are the Payment Options?
Some farms require full payment upfront, while others offer installment plans or even work-share programs where you can trade labor for a share. Is a credit card required? Can you “pay as you go” each week?
9. What Happens If You Go on Vacation?
It’s inevitable—you’ll have a trip planned or a busy week when you just can’t pick up your share.
Some CSAs are strict about this, but we know life happens!
Some farms allow these types of options:
- Pause your share for a week and pick up double the next.
- Gift your share to a friend or neighbor so your food doesn’t go to waste.
- Donate your share to a local family in need or food bank.
- Reschedule or swap pickup locations (when available).
We want your CSA experience to be stress-free and adaptable—because eating healthy, local food should be easy, not a hassle. So choose a CSA that has the flexibility that you need.
10.What Is the Cancellation Policy?
Before committing to a CSA, check the farm’s cancellation policy. Some CSAs require a full-season commitment with no refunds, while others offer flexibility if your circumstances change. Policies may vary: you might be able to transfer your share to a friend or get a partial refund for the remainder of the season or downgrade to a smaller share. Understanding the farm’s policies upfront helps avoid surprises and ensures the CSA fits your lifestyle.
To make this even easier, I’ve put together a How to Choose a CSA Checklist to help you evaluate your options side by side. Download it now and use it as your guide to finding the best CSA for you!
Why your CSA Membership Matters
Ok, phew! You made it this far.
If you are still reading, you might be ready to join a CSA.
But here’s a really important question. Are you ready to be the kind of farm member your farmer can count on?
If you don’t join a CSA with the intention of supporting a farmer and your local food system, you aren’t the best fit for a CSA.
Your farmers depend on being able to sell what they produce to a certain number of farm members in order to have the money they need to pay taxes on their land, farm and labor insurance, pay their staff and farm workers, buy seeds and supplies for the next season, and provide for their own families.
If you quit, you inevitably make their already hard work even harder and less sustainable.
Consider your farm membership an investment in more than just your future food—you are investing in your farmer, your community, and your local food system—and most importantly, your children’s and grandchildren’s access to locally and sustainably grown food.
Is CSA Right for You?
By now, I hope you know the answer. But guess what?
It’s perfectly okay if joining a CSA isn’t the right fit for you.
There are many ways to support local agriculture and enjoy fresh, seasonal food. You might explore local farm stands, shop at independent stores that source directly from local farmers, or even start your own garden. Each choice helps sustain your community and keeps you connected to where your food comes from.
If you’ve decided to go for it do some final research to help you find the perfect fit.
Final Steps: Finding the Perfect CSA for You
Before you commit, take a few minutes to see what real members are saying about the CSA you’re considering.
You want to know if a farm truly delivers on its promises, right? Here are some practical tips to help you gather that insight:
- Google & Facebook: Start by searching the farm’s name on Google and Facebook. Read through reviews and see what people love—and what they don’t. Ask yourself:
- Are members happy with the quality of their food?
- What are the biggest complaints? (Remember, every farm has a few!)
- Are the reviews recent and consistent?
- Does the farm offer more than just a box of vegetables—such as recipes, farm events, or opportunities for personal connection?
- Farm Websites: Many farms, including ours, have a testimonials page where you can read real feedback from current members.
- Local Directories: Check directories like LocalHarvest.org. These resources sometimes include ratings and reviews that can provide additional perspective.
- Community Groups: Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask in local Facebook groups or community forums—chances are, someone in your circle has experience with a CSA.
These final steps can help ensure that your choice aligns with your goals.
Look for signs from the farm community that others are experiencing the benefits you’re seeking. Whether it’s the quality of the produce, the extra support like recipe guides and events, or the overall sense of community, the right CSA will help you build healthy habits and make the most of your fresh farm food.
This decision is not just about receiving a weekly box—it’s an investment in your health, your local food system, and the future well-being of your community, your children, and your grandchildren.
Want to see what people say about Willow Haven Farm?
📌 Read Our Google Reviews
📌 See What Members Say on Facebook
Hearing from real members can give you the confidence to choose a farm that fits your family’s needs. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth it!
Now It’s Time for You to Decide Your CSA Farmer
Before you make your decision, remember—every family has different priorities. Some of these questions will matter more to you than others, and that’s okay.
Is pick-up location more important than cost? Do you value flexibility over structure? Will you use the extras like recipes, events, or customizable shares? Do you want to know your farmer personally, or are you simply after the freshest, local food you can find?
This guide is here to help you weigh what matters most. CSAs aren’t one-size-fits-all, and not all farms operate the same way. Each has its own strengths, style, and community. Finding the right fit means making sure your expectations align with what the farm offers.
I’d love for you to check out our farm’s CSA here in the Lehigh Valley and if we’re the right match, we’ll take great care of you. But more than anything, I want you to make a confident choice—one that truly serves your family’s needs.
To make this even easier, I’ve put together a CSA Comparison Checklist to help you evaluate your options side by side. Download it now and use it as your guide to finding the best CSA for you!
