(Drat- I forgot to take a picture of our haul, so I figured this would do.)
I decided to try out a food co-op with some of the people from church. There is about 14 of us that got together (some are also neighborhood friends from the girl that organized it) to use the farmer's market here in town. We give $30.00/$15.00 (half order) every two weeks and two people go to the Farmer's Market at 6:00 am(seriously) on Saturday morning to pick out produce for everyone involved. They bring back the haul (and I mean haul) to the same house every week and divide out all the food based on if you got a full/half order. Everyone is responsible for picking up their own food and also for giving money for the next trip.
I'll admit- I was a little skeptical. I wasn't sure if I would like the produce that was picked, and I wasn't sure how much we would actually get. Let me tell you.. we decided on a half order and I am really glad. I was AMAZED at how much food we got for $15.00. Here is the list:
8 Roma Tomatoes
1 Cantaloupe
6 Bananas
2 Heads of Romaine lettuce
1 bag of spinach
1 bag of grapes (that in store is costing about $5.00)
1 package of strawberries
3 bunches of green onions
5-6 red potatoes
5 sweet potatoes/or yams
7 apples
7 oranges
5 peaches
2 bell peppers
1 bag of carrots
I think that is it. Basically it was a circular laundry basket filled to the top (and slightly overflowing) and a box. I was really surprised. I was also pleased at the selection. I guess there is a list and they just try to get what is either in season and basic foods. Everyone got to send in a list of what they were interested in. The only thing I DON"T want is eggplants. I hate those things. Anyhow- I am very happy with my choice and can hardly wait to put all this great produce to good use. I actually have eaten an apple and peach everyday this week as a snack, instead of the regular junk I eat.
The other great thing, I didn't use all of my prodcue grocery money, so I can still run to the market for things that I need. It really is nice, because someone else is doing your shopping and you just have to pick it up. Luckily each person will only have to go 3 times in the entire year. Yippee for food co-ops.
9 comments:
That's pretty cool. I think I'd eat a lot more produce if I only had to pay $15 and someone else did the shopping for me. That's a sweet deal.
Our ward has been looking into these too, thanks for the recommendation...I will have to get on that list for sure.
The produce looks yummy! Just out of curiosity do you find that farmers market stuff goes bad faster than the store? I love to buy fresh as well I just can't eat it fast enough before it goes bad. What an awesome deal though!
Wow, that sounds interesting. I haven't heard of anyone around here doing that. Thanks for the idea, I am going to look into it.
Lara! I've been trying to find a produce co-op here in PHoenix, that is so wonderful, and so great to eat food in season, locally grown.
Wow. That is a whole lot of food for $15. I don't even want to calculate how much that would cost at the supermarket. I love produce, and to get it fresh and in season like that... that's a great plan.
That for $15?! That's nuts! Now to use all of that produce before it goes bad, that would be my challenge. Tell me how it goes.
wow that is a lot of stuff for `15 dolars....the picture looks adorable. I am getting hungry for all those goodies...been out of town came back for almost a week now and still haven't gone grocery shopping...tomorrow!
That is such a great idea. I would love that, but I think I would like to be the one to go every time. I really enjoy the experience of going. When Adam and i lived downtown we would go every Saturday morning.
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