Organic Produce Delivery

I've been wanting to feed my family more organic fruits and vegetables but I always get sticker shock when I am in the supermarket. I decided to sign up for organic delivery with a local company. This takes the decision out of my hands. I am getting a box of produce every two weeks to ease into it. They have many different options and box sizes to choose from, I chose the small family box for $30.00. You can also get dairy, meats and other products added to your order for an additional charge. And if there is something you don't want, just tell them and they replace it with something else.

My area gets deliveries on Wednesday and I was anxiously waiting for the first box all afternoon, which came just before dinnertime. My kids were fascinated by the "strange" vegetables and thrilled with the fruit selection. I had to get online to figure out what to do with the turnip but most of the veggies are ones I regularly buy anyhow. I like the opportunity to try different veggies and get out of my rut. I'll probably have to buy some produce at the store from time to time but I'm going to try to plan meals around what I get in the box.

Here's what my box contained:

1 turnip
2 leeks
1 bunch leaf lettuce
1 bunch swiss chard
1 head of broccoli
1 head of garlic
1 red onion
1 small bag of mushrooms
4 carrots
4 potatoes
4 bananas
3 fuji apples
3 granny smith apples
2 pears
2 grapefruits
4 minneolas (between an orange and a tangerine)

About half of it was local produce. I expect that as the growing season progresses, there will be more locally grown produce. It makes me very happy to support my local community too! I'm going to use the broccoli tonight in Mac and Cheese (my son's favorite), the chard and onion in a stir-fry tomorrow, and the turnip, carrots and potatoes with baked chicken on Sunday night. I don't expect the fruit to last long. My four year old woke up this morning and immediately asked for an "orange". I was impressed at the quality and the variety. I can't wait so see what different things I get throughout the year, as different veggies are in season.

Jess in Portland, OR

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By 09/28/2010

It's been proven by universities that organic farming of any area yields 3 times the amount as the "conventional" method used for decades, and that the nutrition level in the USA and now globally is at a critical level years ago. However, since Monsanto works with the FDA it seems unlikely since "democracy" works by "exploitation" of the people that anything will be done for the people at any level: city, county, state or federal level; and since the global dominion plan of the USA was stated prior to the end of WW11, doubt it ever will.

So, since the prices are set by local "government" for their personal profit and their personal gain: this is why the farmers were forced out of business, sadly and none of their wonderful plans allowed to flourish. Fuel: a book, outlines a simply delightfully wonderful way to have fresh living food in every single community including large cities; this would be the will of the people everywhere! Hopefully enough people can cause it to come to be!

By 05/30/2008

Just thought I would check back in. Here it is almost summer 2008 and I don't know what I would do without my organics box! I love it and have been learning how to cook lots of different veggies. I still get it every other week and usually still have a little produce left over when the new box comes. I supplement some things at the local farmer's market and also when I go grocery shopping, for things like onions that I use faster than they can send them. I'm also growing tomatoes, basil and some other veggies in our garden.

By the way, we can get eggs, cheese and milk delivered as well. The price is a little higher than going to our local natural foods store, but you don't have to go anywhere. Nothing for meat yet.

If you are in the Portland, OR area, here is their webpage:

http://www.organicstoyou.org/

If not, just type in "organics delivery" and your zip code into Google and see what is available in your area. More businesses are starting all the time, cross country.

By BX Barb (Guest Post) 12/21/2007

Hi, I have been a member of a CSA organic farm for 5 years. At first the expense was hard to bear. I have learned to cook such a varied array of veggies. It now cost $600 and 15 work hrs for a growing season that starts in late <ay and ends in early November. I have taken a workshop given by other members on canning. I am also taking a course online to can safely. I try to put up as much as I can. The farm has enriched my life, And I CRAVE the veggies year round. Can I have your Beets?

By Mike Bisping (Guest Post) 04/16/2007

For New York and New Jersey! Guys, try OrganicDirect. Its been on a market for few years, me and my wife use it for a year now. Big variety, cheaper than supermarket.
Buy more, save more program. You get a n organic cake or a bottle of organic wine for a first order. No commitment, no"box ordering " obligations etc. Good luck

By 04/07/2007

We grow, freeze and can our own produce at home, but this is a really good option for folks who aren't able to do so. Might also be something my husband and I should look into to supplement our own garden supply.

Since we don't do livestock yet, I'd be interested to know if there is a similar option for eggs, milk, cheese and meat (although, we're cutting back on meat consumption these days). Anyone know?

By 03/14/2007

The company that I am going through allows you to exclude stuff you hate or include stuff you like. There is another company in the area that is less flexible. You could contact them and see if you can work it out. Also, okra and beets are probably a seasonal thing so you could avoid it during that time. I think spring and summer will have a great array of veggies.

Jess

By Barrie (Guest Post) 03/14/2007

We have a CSA that produces organic fruits and veggies. It is affordable ($12.50/week for a family of 2-3) but my concern is that I DETEST okra and beets!! I have tried them homegrown and cooked every which way and I just can't stand them. My concern is that there is no guarantee what veggies we will/won't get and how often. I am petrifed that I will have weeks of beets and/or okra! Is it worth it to take the chance?

By 03/14/2007

Hey, Lynda in N. TX!

Try this website:

http://www.localharvest.org/

It lists not only farmers markets, but also CSAs (community supported agriculture-brought to your door!) and farms to maybe get in touch with in your area.

Hope this helps!

Take care,
Kim

By Lynda (Guest Post) 03/10/2007

EXCELLENT! I know you'll be healthier from it. I hope to be able to find the same thing in Texas, but most folks have Farmers Market CoOps and I can't afford to get to any of them, so I'm stuck unless some option like your lucky one comes along.

(I was accidentally poisoned by pesticides a few years back, and almost died, and then was splashed on face/chest/hands/feet with Pesticide in a bizarre garage sale accident, both which permanently damaged the nerve endings of my feet and hands, so that I am a "barometer" to detect any pesticides within 24 hrs. after eating any- thing and must eat ONLY Organic foods, although very limited on income.)

Should anyone know of such a service in N. TX, please let us know. God bless you. : )