I spent some time visiting family (who live on a farm) recently and loved eating the veggies that have been coming out of the garden. My garden at home has been doing very poorly (understatement) this season, so it would be neat to get a variety of seasonal, locally-grown produce, without having to spend as much time shopping, such as having to go to organic grocers or farmers’ markets, in addition to my regular budget-priced grocery store. I’ve read that shopping for in-season produce saves you money, but with grocery stores bringing in produce from all over the world, and prices sometimes being lower because the produce is going to go bad soon and the store wants to get rid of it, without a book guiding me through things, it could definitely be easier to just get a local box.
So, to be clear, I really want to eat more veggies. Lots more. I want it to be easy, without having to shop and shop and look at lists, and check prices…
I have a farmers’ market close by my home, and there are several CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) that deliver to my area as well. After looking up info about them and reading customer blog entries, I decided to try a local organic grocery delivery service. They have a local box that’s very similar to CSA boxes, but I wouldn’t have to worry about pickup times and locations, ordering a minimum number of boxes, having to get a box on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, or having to pay for the season up front. The grocery service gets produce from local farms, puts together a weekly box, and delivers it. Everything in the box is locally grown. The cost is similar to local CSA boxes and there is no added delivery cost. What I like best is that I can decide when I want a box. It doesn’t have to be every week or every two weeks. That way, I can try it out and see if I like it.
Another good thing is that I can add honey, bacon, dairy, and other local products to my box, saving me from trips to the farmers’ market or an organic store (for one item).
I’ve noticed that I get the same veggies every time I go to the store (carrots, potatoes, onions, romaine). It would be nice to try some new things (and thus new recipes). The local box comes with recipes, the company website has a blog and links to customer blogs with more recipes, and my local library has several books for cooking seasonally or from farmers’ markets/CSA’s.
What are another couple of reasons why I am going to try the grocery delivery service? I drive by the farmers’ market every week, but I’m usually tired after work (or it’s 104 degrees). Then, you have to navigate the stands to find your products. I also have several organic grocery stores in my area, but having to park, go in, get produce, etc. takes time and I prefer to make one grocery stop a week, if possible.
I talked to my husband and he’s okay with us trying the grocery service out. He also thinks the prices are reasonable. I’m excited and can’t wait to give it a try! Leave a comment with info if you get a CSA, organic grocery delivery, shop at organic stores, or go to farmers’ markets.
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