Fair Share
Fair Share Program
AdkAction’s Fair Share program sponsors low-income families to participate in season-long Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm share programs at no cost. Each CSA farm share provides a family with a box full of fresh, organic vegetables every week for 20 to 25 weeks. The CSA model helps small farmers through upfront investment ahead of the growing season and ensuring they have guaranteed support, regardless of drought or pests.
Our Fair Share program builds equity in access, so low-income community members can take advantage of the health, environmental, and social benefits of participating in a CSA.
2025 Fair Share Update
AdkAction’s Fair Share program has grown significantly this year, expanding its reach and impact across the Adirondacks. What began as a pilot with three farms in 2021 now includes a strong network of 18 farms, reaching 11 counties in the North Country.
This expansion allows us to distribute 243 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares to households across the region—many with children—helping ensure more families who cannot afford the cost of these shares independently have access to fresh, healthy, locally grown food throughout the summer and into the fall.
With new partnerships in place, including collaborations with local WIC (Women, Infants, Children) offices and county health departments, we are better able to reach those most in need while continuing to support small farms. The program has already infused $120,000 into the local agricultural economy at a vital time in this year’s growing season.
As distributions begin, we’re excited to connect more people with fresh food, improving the health of our neighbors, strengthening our regional food system, and creating lasting impact for farms and families alike.
Thank you to our 2025 Farm Partners
Program Applicants: Due to the growth of this program, AdkAction no longer processes participant applications for Fair Share, but works directly with farms, county health departments, and local WIC (Women, Infants, Children) to refer participants to the program.
Benefits of a CSA
- Guaranteed weekly box of produce
- Know where your food comes from and how it’s grown
- Support local farmers
- Better for the environment- organic farming, less gas for long-haul transportation
- Keep food dollars local
- Build community
Frequently Asked Questions
AdkAction’s Fair Share project is a season-long subscription to receive produce from a local farm. From roughly June-October, participants will receive a box each week that contains a mix of five to seven different vegetables. The box will change throughout the season, based on what is ready for harvesting.
The model is focused on supporting farmers throughout the region with the high costs of planting and buying into the risk of any crop loss that happens (for example, due to drought) that they typically incur at the start of the season. In exchange, members receive a generous weekly portion of all the food grown on the farm
No, as we continue to build and expand this new program, Fair Shares are free for qualifying participants! Those participating in the Fair Share program do have to commit to the full length of the program, and are required to fill out a few short surveys during that time. Although participation is free, farms still receive 100% of the share value, thanks to funding from AdkAction donors.
Participants who are interested in paying a partial amount towards their shares to help support the program will be given the option to do so only after being accepted to the program.
Some participating Fair Share farms offer delivery based on location. Please indicate on your enrollment form if you require delivery and we will try to accommodate your needs.
In late April or early May we will reach out to selected participants, who will need to confirm their participation at that time. Selection will be made based on the number of shares available, with preference given to early sign-ups. We also take into account if a Fair Share farm is located within a reasonable distance from a participant’s address.
Examples of what you get include: lettuce, beets, eggplant, onions, peas, spinach, kale, tomatoes, squash, carrots, and much more.
There will occasionally be vegetables that are often new to people, but participants will also receive recipes and suggestions throughout the season.
Sign Up
Fair Share CSA program enrollment will open again in early 2025. Please use the income eligibility form and sign up form below to verify that you are eligible for the program. Signing up does not guarantee you will be selected for the farm share, but early sign up does give you preference!
Is my household eligible?
You must be a permanent resident of Clinton, Franklin, or Essex county to participate, and meet the household income requirements outlined below.
AdkAction uses United Way’s ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) income thresholds as a guide for eligibility. ALICE households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but less than they need to afford a basic survival budget. You can use the Income Eligibility Calculator below to see if your household may qualify before beginning the application.
Eligibility Calculator
Fair Share Application will reopen in 2025
Contact [email protected] with questions about the application.
