What’s a food co-op? It’s nothing more than a group of people who band together to buy food in bulk. The more people in the co-op, the more buying power. Lower prices. Better access to items.
The Damsel has heard about these arrangements for years but was sad because there didn’t seem to be any co-ops operating near the Cottage by the Mountains. But that’s changed! Happiness!
It’s actually a very old-fashioned idea. Grandma was no stranger to co-ops. People relied on each other for many things in the old days, from helping each other harvest, quilting, construction and child care to out-and-out purchasing co-ops. They were completely common–in the U.S. and Europe as well. The Damsel likes the cozy sound of it all.
So in the modern version, co-op organizers negotiate to buy directly from food brokers who normally only sell to grocery stores. You buy a “share” of the total, and often you volunteer to keep things running–helping divvy the food up, clean up, etc. In return you get a nice bushel or two of fresh food–often produce, but some co-ops extend to meat, bakery items, and more. It’s cheaper and usually better quality.
The Damsel ADORES her local co-op and becomes quite cranky if she can’t participate every week as is her habit. She never knows exactly what will be in the offering, but that’s part of the fun. It’s been great to try produce she normally wouldn’t buy. And hello, the family is EATING VEGETABLES. How is this not good? And she doesn’t mean to sound like there is a whole lot of bizarre stuff. Nearly everything is “normal” food like potatoes, carrots, bananas, apples, lettuce, etc.
Here’s a photo of one of the weekly produce baskets the Damsel acquired. There were apples, bananas, a pineapple, potatoes, blackberries, mushrooms, swiss chard, romaine lettuce, carrots, grape tomatoes, and broccoli. THIS COST $15.
The Damsel can only say, “I know!”
But her purpose is not to make you jealous. It is the Damsel’s wish that you partake. If you live in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Washington, or Texas, go to Bountiful Baskets and see if there is a location handy enough for you. Another option for Utah folks is The Community Food Co-op of Utah. In other areas, a Google search may lead you to Produce Nirvana.
The Damsel has heard of co-ops where a person actually buys a percentage of a farmer’s crop. (sometimes called CSA’s, or Community Supported Agriculture) With this type, you know what produce you are getting because you know what he plants. You also participate in the risks and uncertainties of farming, right along with the farmer. The Damsel doesn’t know of this sort of co-op in her area, but perhaps one of you dear students does.
The spirit of the co-op is worth preserving.
Yes, there are several CSA co-ops in the area, but I haven't tried them. I did just join a CSA for meat however. And I'm getting my first Bountiful Basket tomorrow morning!
I'd like to get info on that from you. And wow. You hit my site one minute after I posted.
Nursing a newborn allows plenty of blog reading opportunities, I guess!
The meat CSA: http://www.christiansenfarm.com/
The two closet veggie/fruit CSAs to us: http://www.eastfarms.net/index.htm and http://www.borskifarms.org/
I got my Bountiful Basket this morning and was delighted with it. But its just our luck that our refrigerator went out yesterday and can't be repaired until Monday!
Why doesn't WordPress notify me when you replied to my comment?
Grrr! It's supposed to be emailing you now when I reply. I thought it was. grr. I have room in my fridge…
I hate the way that so many people have suffered in this recession. At the same time, I am glad that that some of these ideas and institutions from our grandparents and great-grandparents are coming back.
Cool, huh? My husband is a contractor so we've definitely felt the bite. Glad for stuff like this!
I need to find one here in my new hometown! Loved them in AZ!
Oh! I hope you can!
This sounds wonderful. I called my sister in Utah and yes she is part of one and loves it. She said they even give ideas on how to use it. I'm certainly looking around to see if somebody has one here – Thanks!
I have been interested in a co-op for a long time. I have the odd quirk of not caring for organic food, though, and those are the only available co-ops in my area. Maybe I'll have more luck in my next area.
I like the fact that this Bountiful Baskets co-op has the option of paying more for an organic basket, or just getting a \”regular\” one.
Would you let me know if you receive an email copy of this reply? My commenting thingy is acting weird.
That would be lovely for someone like me. I got your email, no problem.
If you are near Centerville, UT I am opening a new Bountful Basket site there that will open this week! I have done BB for a year and love it. We go through it so quickly and it is great for my kids! It is not local but there are so many benefits I really don't care
Kira! I've been trying to find out who is the coordinator for the Centerville site! It's you??? Me and my neighbor are interested in helping you. That's amazing I'd find you this way.
I've been meaning to do the Bountiful Baskets here but haven't gotten around to it yet!
Let me know what you think!
How do the bountiful baskets work in, say, the winter? Is it something you can get year-round or just in the growing season(s)?
I will be moving to Utah in August (with a job, horray!) and would be interested in looking into it!
Yes, it is year-round…they truck food in from California. Yay for the job!
My sister-in-law started a produce co-op last summer (in Maryland) and we loved it for all the same reasons you love yours. I wonder if I could convince her to start it up again this year…
Did she do it on her own? Goodness, that sounds like a lot of work.
There's an organic food co-op in our area I've been tempted to participate in…hmm…you make it look so good…
We love Bountiful Baskets! I've been doing it since April.
It's been growing so fast, it makes me wonder what will happen when it starts taking a significant market share.
[...] The New Old School – food co-ops What’s a food co-op? It’s nothing more than a group of people who band together to buy [...]
Food Co-ops are all the rage here, too, esp among the LDS families. My sister belongs to the Bountiful Baskets one, and I"m considering joining it, too. Lovely veg & fruit! Bring on the smoothies!!
I just ordered my first BB this afternoon! I'm excited to see what I get on Saturday!
let me know how you like it!
I picked up my basket this morning and weighed it when I got home, 30 lbs!!! Amazing and so fun to think of all of the possibilities! I will definitely do it again, perhaps every other week though since there's so much! Feel free to check out my loot at: http://elaineshandra.blogspot.com/2010/07/this-pa....
yay! So glad you liked it. Now I'm running off to check out your loot.