What is Bountiful Baskets?

Throughout my blogs I refer to a co-op that I belong to, the co-op is Bountiful Baskets and is based in the Metropolitan Phoenix area.  I really enjoy my involvement with the co-op; it gives me a chance to give back to my community while providing something very valuable for my family, fresh nutritious food.   The amount of produce I receive for my $15 contribution is so much more than what I could buy in the grocery store for the same amount, and its fresher with a longer shelf life.

My Involvement

My involvement with the co-op started when I read an article in the local paper about a couple of woman who had organized a co-op in the valley.  They were helping families pool their money to purchase fresh produce from a local supplier, and then dividing it up among the participants. 

After two or three pick-ups I felt a need to volunteer at the pick-up site, I did that for a year, volunteering at three different sites.  Each time they opened a new site closer to my home I would move to that site.  I then offered to open a distribution site in our town (I thought it would be a great benefit to our community), I’ve been managing the site here since July, 2008.  It’s great fun, I have some wonderful volunteers that make the distribution process a breeze and we have fun doing it, besides it’s exciting to be the first to see what will be in that cycle’s offering.

Eating Healthier

The co-op has changed my family’s lives.  We’re eating healthier while saving on our grocery bill, and by volunteering we’re helping other families in our community purchase fresh delicious produce at very affordable prices.

If affordable nutrition is important to you, and you live in Arizona, I highly encourage you to check out the co-op’s website and even try a produce basket.  You can find out more at www.bountifulbaskets.org.