Some of our most often asked questions, answered. Have a question that isn’t addressed here? Contact us!
Where are the VINES Farm Share Partner Farms located?
All VINES Partner Farms are within 60 miles of Binghamton, NY. For more information about the farms click here.
Do the farms follow an organic form of farming?
Shared Roots Farm is Certified Organic. Binghamton Urban Farm uses organic growing practices but due to the high costs of certification, the money we would use to certify we apply to our programming. North Windsor Berries grows their produce in raised beds with plastic so they do not have to use herbicides. They use sustainable growing practices where possible, organic sprays when necessary
Where are the distribution locations?
Distribution locations are spread throughout Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott and Whitney Point. The distribution sites for 2021 are:
Can you provide the bus routes with how to get to the locations?
Below is a list of the closest bus stops to each distribution location:
- Roosevelt Elementary (Northside)
- Chenango/Green – 40
- Lee Barta Community Center (Northside)
- Robinson/Liberty – 28
- Chenango/Lyon – 40/8 Combo
- Saving Grace Arts Center (Whitney Point)
- Use BC Country, the 401 line serves in Whitney Point! Follow this link to register your ride http://www.gobroomecounty.com/transit/bccountry
- Family Enrichment Network (Johnson City)
- Floral/Roberts – 15, 16, 17
- Carlisle Apartments (Eastside)
- Spellicy/Moeller – One – 28
- United Presbyterian Church (Downtown Binghamton)
- BC Junction – 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 35, 51, 53, 57
- American Red Cross (Endicott)
- Main/Liberty- 35
- Tabernacle United Methodist Church (Westside)
- Main/Mather – 16, 35
- Main/Arthur – 8, 35
For transportation assistance, contact Mobility Management of South Central NY’s GetThere Call Center Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The call center provides FREE trip planning, transportation education, and referral services to people throughout the region and beyond. GetThere is staffed by Mobility and Transportation Advocates who are well-versed in the area’s transportation options and eager to assist anyone with travel needs or questions. Call them at 1-855-373-4040
What can I expect to find in my Farm Share?
Because shares are usually harvested within 24 hours of delivery, our farmers don’t have the list of what will be in the shares until right before they deliver. VINES Farm Share will send out newsletters via email and have hard copies at distribution. To see what’s in season each month check out the NY Harvest Calendar.
How much does it cost to be a part of the VINES Farm Share?
Depending on what size your share is, prices range from $12-32. However, discounts are available to people that are income eligible.
How can I pay for my Farm Share?
VINES Farm Share accepts cash, check, EBT/SNAP, credit card, and Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx) vouchers. There will be aa small processing fee if paying with a credit card.
Where do I pay for my Farm Share?
Payments can be made at Farm Share distribution or by mailing a check, made out to VINES with Farm Share in the memo to P.O. Box 3104, Binghamton, NY 13902.
How does the cost compare to buying produce at the grocery store?
The cost of a share every week is cheaper than a weekly grocery store visit. By buying a share, you also don’t have to spend as much time as you typically would at the grocery store. The produce you get from a share is also the same quality produce that’s picked within 24 hours of receiving it, instead of being on a truck for hours like the produce you’d find in the store. A share is better both financially and in quality!
What if I don’t have enough money for my share?
If you don’t have the money to pay for your share, you can still pick up your share and use the Share Bank to pay for it that week. If you miss a pick-up and have not made payment, the Share Bank will be used to pay for it that week as well. We ask that if you are able, please repay the Share Bank when you can. Do note: you may use the Share Bank only twice without paying back, per season.
How long will the produce last me?
The produce is harvested fresh without taking a long trip in a delivery truck, so it will last longer than your produce at the grocery store. Click here to learn how to make your share products last as long as possible.
Can I trade in the vegetables I don’t want?
At most locations there are swap boxes, which serve as a drop off for veggies you don’t want and a possibility for trying new produce from someone else’s share.
Is there ever fruit provided in the shares?
North Windsor Berries is the only farm that will guarantee a fruit each week. Our other farms provide fruit when they have access to them.
Will I ever get herbs in my share?
Yes
How much variety of produce is in a share?
Every farm is different with what it can grow and how diverse the selection will be. Click here to learn more about each farm.
Why are there so many greens in my share?
In Upstate NY, leafy, hearty greens grow really well due to our cold weather. Follow the links below to help use your greens in the best way for you!
In the recipes section on our app, the salad section can use any of the greens you may have in your share
Why use plastic bags instead of paper/cardboard boxes?
Plastic bags help us reuse our boxes (we can’t reuse dirty boxes) and they keep the veggies fresh. The big box bags are great to reuse for storing kale/Swiss chard, and other large leafy greens. As much as we hate buying so much plastic, there’s not an easier way to ensure our boxed shares don’t dry out and wilt and keep the produce clean throughout distribution deliveries.
How will I know what to do with my share?
You can ask our knowledgeable volunteers that are at the distribution locations any questions you have about what’s in your share. We also have our app that has information and an abundance of recipes. VINES also hosts Green Thumbs workshops throughout the season to help learn how to use your share more effectively. Check out our website to find more!
What do I do if I can’t pick up my share one week?
Try to find a neighbor or family member to pick it up for you. If you don’t have anyone to pick up your share, a vacation form MUST be completed 1 week before the missed pick up time. Shares cancelled less than a week in advance will still need to be paid for.
Who do I contact if I want to cancel my share?
Please contact VINES Farm Share Manager, Nikki Nesbit at least ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE of cancelling (farmshare@vinesgardens.org) or call/text (607) 238-3522