I mentioned in my last weekly menu post that I was going to try out something that I’ve always wanted to do – a food co-op. At my local homeschool group park day, I learned of a local one called Bountiful Baskets. I went home, looked up all the info, and joined the first chance that I had.
Bountiful Baskets is a volunteer co-op that operates in a few states, mostly in the west: Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, Arizona, Nevada & Washington. The cost is very reasonable – only $15 for a conventional basket of fruits and vegetables or $25 for 100% certified organic basket. They also have additional offerings that are often available, such as a tortillas, breads, etc.
You should have seen me on the pick up day – it doesn’t take much to get me excited (apparently) because when I gave home with my baskets of fruits and vegetables, I was smiling like it was Christmas morning! I totally LOVE the challenge of not knowing what food I will get and then having to come up with how to cook it. Luckily, we are not picky people and really enjoy trying new things, so a food co-op such as this is perfect for our family.
And, you know me, I love saving money, so knowing how much I received for what I paid was pretty great too.
Some of what we came home with: corn, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, apples, grapes, nectarines, plums, mushrooms, zucchinis, honeydew, and bananas. This was all part of the conventional basket for $15.
But, could I resist the Mexican pack? No way! So I ordered one of those too. That cost $7.50 and some of what we got with that was: Poblano chilies, avocados, cilantro, limes, onions, jalapenos, garlic, and tomatillos. I’m not totally decided on what I will make with this pack, but I am thinking of making some salsa with the tomatillos. And some guacamole. Although Chicken Enchiladas Verdes is sounding really good too.
I was very pleased with the quality of the fruits and vegetables – plus the quantity of what we received. I’m planning on ordering again, so I am sure you will hear more about what I make with everything. I’m so happy that we have something like this available to me in our new city.
Do you have anything like this in your area? Have you ever joined a food co-op and if not, would you?
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