As we plan for the 2026 CSA season, we’ve made several thoughtful adjustments to how our CSA works. These updates reflect what we’ve learned over the past seasons about logistics, staffing, and long-term sustainability - not just for the farm, but for the people who keep it running day after day.
At the heart of these changes is a simple goal: creating a CSA model that supports better work–life balance for our farm team while continuing to deliver fresh, thoughtfully grown food to our community.
One of the biggest updates for 2026 is how often CSA boxes are picked up, which will now depend on the pickup location you choose.
For members picking up at Beaverton and SE Portland, all CSA pickups will be scheduled every other week, regardless of share size. Full share members will receive two boxes every other week, while half share members will receive one box every other week. This approach allows us to consolidate packing and delivery days while still providing the same total amount of produce over the season.
For members picking up at Lincoln Park Elementary and the farm in Boring, the schedule will look more familiar. Full share members will continue to pick up one box weekly, while half share members will pick up one box every other week.
These location-based schedules help us streamline harvest, packing, and delivery in a way that reduces strain on our staff during peak season.
As part of these changes, we are discontinuing CSA pickups at both Stickmen Brewing locations in Clackamas County and Tigard. While we’ve appreciated the opportunity to partner with Stickmen in past seasons, maintaining those sites added significant logistical complexity.
By focusing on fewer pickup locations, we can improve reliability, reduce transportation time, and keep our energy where it matters most: growing food and caring for the people doing that work.
In 2026, there will be a two-week gap between the Spring and Summer CSA seasons. This pause is intentional.
Farming doesn’t often leave room for recovery, especially during long stretches of continuous production. This break gives our team time to rest, reset fields, and prepare for the next season without immediately rolling from one intense cycle into another.
It’s also an acknowledgment that rest is not a luxury, it’s a necessity for doing good work well.
Many members of the Green Heart Garden farm team hold second jobs in addition to their work on the farm. Long weeks, tight turnarounds, and nonstop harvest schedules can quickly lead to burnout.
These updates are about creating breathing room - more sustainable workloads, fewer rushed transitions, and a season structure that allows our staff to show up rested, focused, and cared for. When the people behind the food are supported, the food itself benefits too.
We’re deeply grateful to our CSA members for growing with us and for understanding that sustainability isn’t just about soil and crops, it’s also about people. If you’ve been a CSA member before, keep an eye on your inbox—2026 CSA sign-up emails will be going out soon. Shares will also be available for sign-up on our website shortly after. As always, we’re happy to help answer questions and talk through what these updates mean for you.
