Ever wonder what goes into getting ready for the CSA deliveries? Over the course of the next few weeks we will give you a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes in each department here at Pahl’s while preparing for the weekly CSA deliveries. This week the “Behind the Scenes” segment will focus on the packing process.
Jack and his crew run what can really be compared to a small manufacturing operation every week when packing your farm shares. Set up, timing, and weather are extremely important during the packing process and things need to run smoothly in order for the team to have the share boxes ready for distribution.
Packing can take over 8 hours each day to prepare for the number of share boxes delivered on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Produce comes in from the field and the wagons are unloaded by forklift and brought into the pack house. Each member of the team has tasks to complete before the assembly line commences. Depending on the share box contents, produce might need to be sorted, portioned, washed, bundled or bagged. The 12 quart, 1/2 bushel and full bushel boxes also need to be assembled.
Each member of the packing team then gets an overview of each item and guidelines of how to be sure the vegetable is share box worthy. Sweet corn must be at least as long as the palm, cucumbers should be straight , tomatoes should be free of any open wounds, and so on. The assembly line is then formed, lined with produce bins, with crew on each side and the fun begins! These kids work hard and have a great time packing your share boxes, it is fun to see the camaraderie and hear the laughter on pack days.
Enjoy week 6!
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