Community Supported Bakery
Based on the model of "community supported agriculture" (CSA), the "CSB" is a way for me to know that the bread I'm baking has a home to go to. Members of the CSB purchase shares that represent a certain number of loaves per week, and commit to picking up those loaves each week at a designated time and place. Purchasing a CSB share is essentially purchasing a season's worth of bread up front, and then receiving one or more loeaves each week at a discount compared to prices at the store or farmer's market. Just like when you purchase a CSA share from a farmer, joining the CSB allows you to save on your weekly bread in return for the stability and consistency that your pre-payment offers me.
Here's How it Works
As of summer 2025 the CSB will now operate on a seasonal schedule. Enrollment will be open for a few weeks before each season begins.
The Summer 2025 shares will run for 19 weeks between May 23rd to October 10th. All pickups will be on Friday afternoons. You'll notice that those dates cover a 21 week span, which gives me two weeks of flexibility for a quick summer getaway with my family or in case I get sick. The exact dates that will be skipped will be announced as far in advance as I can manage.
Summer 2025 CSB Share Options:
The Summer 2025 shares will run for 19 weeks between May 23rd to October 10th. All pickups will be on Friday afternoons. You'll notice that those dates cover a 21 week span, which gives me two weeks of flexibility for a quick summer getaway with my family or in case I get sick. The exact dates that will be skipped will be announced as far in advance as I can manage.
Summer 2025 CSB Share Options:
- Summer Seasonal Bread Share - $124 ($6.50/loaf vs. $8 in stores) Choose from Country White Sourdough or Whole Wheat Sourdough or let me choose for you. Pick up at Bread from the Earth in West Townshend (3-6 PM) or Wild Carrot Farm (3-8 PM) in Brattleboro.
- Farmer's Market Share - $114 ($6/loaf vs. $7 at farmer's market or $8 in stores) Save more and support your local farmer's market by picking up your bread at the Townshend Farmer's Market, Fridays 4:30-6:30 at the West Townshend Country Store! Choose from Country White Sourdough or Whole Wheat Sourdough, or let me choose for you.
- Specialty Farmer's Market Share - $152 ($8/loaf vs. $9 at farmer's market) Roll the dice and get a discount on my rotating specialty loaves! This means you'll get whatever fun exciting thing I feel like making that week. Some examples include Olive & Herb Levain, Lavender Rosemary Levain, various special sourdough focaccia varieties, Cranberry Walnut, sprouted grain and rye breads and lots more. Pick up at the Townshend Farmer's Market Fridays 4:30-6:30 at the West Townshend Country Store.
Some FAQ
What if I want more than one loaf each week?
If you want more than one loaf per week you're welcome to purchase multiple shares! If you are picking up at the Townshend Farmer's Market you're welcome to purchse both a regular Farmer's Market Share and a Specialty Farmer's Market Share.
Can I skip a week if I'm away?
For the sake of my sanity I am trying to simplify the operation of the CSB, and pausing shares on and off requires a lot of record keeping and management time. I am no longer offering the option to pause your share at any time, but as a trial run for this summer 2025 share each member may skip one week during the course of the season and receive a loaf credit for the following week instead. Just be sure that you give me TWO DAYS' NOTICE when asking to skip a week. That means you must let me know by Wednesday at 3 PM if you want to skip that Friday's pickup.
What If I can't pay the whole price up front?
If paying the full amount for your share up front is a financial hardship for you please contact me and we can arrange a payment plan or possibly a barter arrangement.
If you have any questions about the CSB, how it works, or how to sign up send me an email at [email protected].
If you want more than one loaf per week you're welcome to purchase multiple shares! If you are picking up at the Townshend Farmer's Market you're welcome to purchse both a regular Farmer's Market Share and a Specialty Farmer's Market Share.
Can I skip a week if I'm away?
For the sake of my sanity I am trying to simplify the operation of the CSB, and pausing shares on and off requires a lot of record keeping and management time. I am no longer offering the option to pause your share at any time, but as a trial run for this summer 2025 share each member may skip one week during the course of the season and receive a loaf credit for the following week instead. Just be sure that you give me TWO DAYS' NOTICE when asking to skip a week. That means you must let me know by Wednesday at 3 PM if you want to skip that Friday's pickup.
What If I can't pay the whole price up front?
If paying the full amount for your share up front is a financial hardship for you please contact me and we can arrange a payment plan or possibly a barter arrangement.
If you have any questions about the CSB, how it works, or how to sign up send me an email at [email protected].
You should get a confirmation email from me personally within a week of your purchase. If not, be in touch!
Your support is so deeply appreciated.
Thank you for being such a beautiful community of good-hearted folks.