Revised 04/06/2020
To our 2020 CSA members & folks considering joining:
This is a quickly changing situation, so we’ll keep this post updated with the steps we’re taking in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In this post, we want to address specific protocols and concerns around what we’re doing on-farm to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure food safety for our customers.
Here are answers to some of the questions & concerns you may have so far:
Food is not shown to be a vector for COVID-19 (there is no evidence food is a source or transmission route). We always follow all food safety protocols. However, we have significantly heightened our sanitation practices to ensure we are following every precaution. This includes increased hand washing stations, hand washing at every task transition, frequent cleaning and sanitizing of all surfaces, etc.
Our small crew is practicing social distancing, working with at least 6 feet between us, almost entirely outside. We are all limiting our contact with others, off-work.
We are committed to supporting our crew through this crisis with stringent safety precautions and through grassroots mutual aid as needed. As of now, no one on our team has been affected. No one will be working should they develop symptoms of any kind. As required by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, our employees are entitled to 14 days paid sick time off.
As of now, we’re planning on all CSA sites operating for pick-ups as planned, starting in early June. (In fact, we have added some additional locations - get the updated list here.) That said, we know there’s a lot of uncertainty, particularly for our NYC members. Here are some shifts we’ll be implementing for all pick-up sites:
All shares will be boxed individually - there will be no bulk bins at any sites (including on-farm), and no contact with anyone else’s food.
We’ll enforce social distancing (6 feet between each customer) at all sites.
On-site staff and volunteers will be stringent about hand-washing, sanitize all surfaces and wear gloves when handling boxes .
We will pivot as needed, if creative home delivery or alternate pick-up solutions are required closer to the first distribution in early June.
Most importantly, know that your food is sprouting right now, and we’re committed to getting it to you safely.
We are heartened by the knowledge that we can support our community through this time, with the necessary and nourishing service of responsibly grown food.
In return, we are hopeful to stay viable as a business and stable employer through this crisis. But in order to do that, we really do need your help.
We hope you’ll consider choosing Rock Steady as your source for veggies, meat, cheese, yogurt, fruit and eggs, this June - October. Join our CSA here.
As always - but with heightened urgency - we want to ensure our food reaches the most vulnerable and at-risk members of our community. Low-income families, seniors, and those those who are living serious health concerns (HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer). If you are able, please contribute to our Food Access fund right here.
Word of mouth is our most powerful resource for connecting with like-minded folks who are interested in joining our mission and enjoying our food! Please help us spread the word!
QUESTIONS?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@rocksteadyfarm.com with any additional questions, concerns or feedback.
