Bountiful Baskets

I live in a small town, a really small town. 1 grocery store, 2 stoplights and 3 gas stations. I usually travel to the "big city" every 4-6 weeks to stock up on supplies and visit my favorite Indian restaurant. I didn't always live this way and it was a bit of an adjustment, making lifestyle choices involves choosing something to have and by default something to leave behind. Convenience is the price I pay for my small town life.

So a few months ago my sister, who lives in the big city, told me about Bountiful Baskets. I loved the idea and said I wish I could participate somehow but because I live in such a small place I didn't think I could. I was so surprised when I looked up pick up locations and saw that my little town was listed. It has been a fruit and vegetable smorgasbord ever since.

Bountiful Baskets is a volunteer run food co-op available in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. This is how it works, you go online at the beginning of the week and donate towards a "basket" which is 50% fruit and 50% vegetables. The standard donation is $15.00, organic baskets are $25.00 and there is a first time fee of $3.00. The following Saturday I pick up my basket at the designated location and time. There are opportunities to volunteer and there are seasonal extras you can order too, the "guacamole pack" I ordered in February was fantastic. The price is always the same but the basket includes different items each week. I believe each state is different, but I can order fresh whole wheat bread, cases of oranges or pears, and granola right now. I have been ordering every other week and the produce has stayed fresh. We are loving it!

The following was included in my most recent basket:

1 large head romaine lettuce
6 oranges
2 apples
1 medium watermelon
1 quart strawberries
3 tomatoes
2 mangoes
3 large zucchini
2 green bell peppers
2 bunches asparagus
1 lb green beans
7 bananas

What a deal! $15.00 for all of that!

Check Bountiful Baskets to see if they are available in your area, I bet they are.