FAQ

Help! I’m a first time participant.

STEP 1:
Option 1: Purchase an All-Season Share for $320 (18 week minimum) by clicking Add to Cart.
Option 2: Purchase Weekly Shares for $20 per week by clicking Add to Cart.
Option 3: If you don’t have a computer, call 603-556-4700 to choose your Share.

In addition to Options 1 and 2, purchase other items weekly as desired for amount listed on each item.

STEP 2: Click on the Check out with PayPal button to begin checkout. This is located in your Shopping Cart on the right side of the page.

STEP 3: After you receive your email receipt, print it out.

» How can I pay for my Share online??
There are four ways to pay online.

1. Credit Card
2. Debit Card
3. Bank Account eCheck
4. PayPal Account

Whichever method you use, your payment is processed securely through PayPal.

»  When can I order online?
Order by Tuesday at 10 p.m. for pickup the following Saturday at 8  – 10 a.m.

»  It’s my first time picking up.  Any advice?

Bring something to carry your produce home in!
Bring your email receipt with you.

»  Where do I pick up my Products?
Pick up your products at Patrice’s Farm, 33 Gunstock Hill Road, Gilford between 8 – 10 a.m. each Saturday.

»  Why is there only a 2-hour window for pickup?
In order to have the freshest produce, breads, etc., the time frame is deliberately kept short. That way, the effects of weather (heat, rain, etc.) are minimized.

»  What happens if I don’t pick up my Share?
Your Share will be donated to Baby Threads – a 501c3 charity, or another charity or soup kitchen. Since we have purchased produce and products from our suppliers based on payments received, there are no refunds.

» What if I can’t pick-up my Big Banana Share?  Can I have someone else pick it up for me?
Yes, you may send someone else with your email receipt to get it for you.

» How do I order more than one of an item?
Just click on the Add To Cart button a second, or even a third time. It will add one each time you click. If you change your mind or add too many, just use the X (in a red circle) in the Shopping Cart to get rid of the item before going to PayPal to complete the check-out.

» “I hate eggplant” or “I’m allergic to onions”. Can you make sure my Share doesn’t have any?
Sure can! When you get to PayPal’s “Review Your Payment” page, there is a link near the middle left of the page which says “Add special instructions to Merchant”. Just click on that link and a text box will appear. Type in  your message, such as “Please, no eggplant!” or something similar, then click Save. If you bought an All-Season Share, send a short e-mail stating there is a veggie you don’t want.

» What happens if I miss the order cutoff date/time?
You can try calling us on Wednesday morning at 603-556-4700 to see if we can still get your order in, or send an email.

» What if I’m handicapped and need assistance?

Our pickup site is handicapped-accessible; and someone will assist you.

» What if I don’t have a credit or debit card to use to get my Big Banana Share?  Can I pay cash the morning of pickup?
Yes, only if you call ahead or send an email on Tuesday before 10 p.m.

» Are you affiliated with the original Big Banana produce/grocery store that was in Gilford?
No, the name Big Banana may evoke fond memories in long-time Lakes Region residents and visitors. However, BigBanana.org is not associated with the original Big Banana store, which sadly no longer exists.

» So how much does all of this cost me?
That’s the best part! The All-Season Share costs $300 plus a one-time $2 processing fee. The Weekly Share costs $18 per week plus a $2 processing fee each week.

»What if I have a balance left at the end of the season?
Your purchase was for a share in the garden, which includes sharing both the rewards and the risks of farming. The money was used not only to buy some vegetables from our partner farms, but for seed, plants, fertilizer, compost, equipment, tractor maintenance, etc. We may also experience some crop failures due to weather or adverse growing conditions.  Therefore, if there is a balance left on your account at season’s end, it does not mean that there is cash from your share purchase left. If you have not used all of your share up by the end of the season, there are no refunds. Plan your purchases accordingly.

» Just what is “Community Supported Agriculture” or “CSA”?
This page from the US Department of Agriculture explains it pretty well. So does the video below.