food coop program

**nodmicks** · 11-20-2009, 07:09 AM

Good morning everyone! I want to share this in case you can find one. I never would have found it if ds hadn't had to go past this little town. However when I did a web search I found it (once I knew and searched "food programs/coop), I'm hoping maybe a search might lead to some in others areas!

When I took Ds to the town about 40 min away for his driving test I saw tons of signs for a food share/outreach program. It stressed on all the signs that it was not income based and to please bring a friend. It was about 10 min closer to home than where ds took his driving test.

When you got there you paid $15. You could buy two shares. I bought one because I had no idea what to expect. They had a big sign saying all income levels welcome. "we don't care if you make a fortune or little". I got a big flyer about the neat country church it was at. The flier was 4 pages and told all about the program. The food came from "stressed companies etc" It was stuff that they had no room to store, it wasn't selling fast enough, companies were closing, didn't sell the over flow, a refer unit quit working and the food must go some where. There was a long list.

It said the food was all usda certified. It said to share with family and friends if you cant use your share and had resources on processing food for later use. It was all healthy food too!

I processed and froze the asparagus and the ripe tomatoes last night. I definitely have some tomato to share. They also had a table with clothing. They had a sign to bring what your household had outgrown or couldn't use and swap for what you could use. I thought that was neat so next time I'll bring the kids clothes as my youngest grows like a weed!

For $15 a share was

2 10# bags chicken,
10 # box of home fries,
5 lb potato,
3 egg plant,
4 cucumbers,
1 zucchini.
1 colored pepper,
2 bags onion,
2 packs airbonne (cold stuff),
2 blistex,
1 soy protein powder (for smoothies),
8 boxes hemp milk,
8 bread items (all wheat or whole grain)
as much lettuce as you want
2 ceasar salad mag salad with croutons and dressing
5 bunches asparagus
a case of tomato
7 cans of assorted soups

**checkerkitty** · 11-20-2009, 08:48 AM

Now that's what I call a Frugal Jackpot!

**savvy_sniper** · 11-20-2009, 08:50 AM

GOOD FOR YOU! You got a good deal. It pays to keep your eyes open.

**nodmicks** · 11-20-2009, 08:57 AM

I FORGOT to add there were 7 bags of whole grain tortillas also!!!

I thought it was a great deal and definitely worth the drive. Where is I live everything is a drive!

Now I need to find some eggplant recipes. We have never tried it before!

**frugalgram** · 11-20-2009, 09:41 AM

Wow! That was quite a load for $15. It sounds like it was worth the drive.

**shoiji** · 11-20-2009, 12:02 PM

That sounds like a wonderful program. And such a great deal!!!! Enjoy.

**piney** · 11-20-2009, 12:10 PM

That was a good deal sound like they may be helping lot people,

**brainyblonde** · 11-22-2009, 12:52 AM

That is quite a deal for $15. I'm curious about the taste of the hemp milk. Did you try it yet?

**nadine64** · 11-22-2009, 01:12 AM

That is wonderful. What a great windfall for your family. I'm definitely going to look into this here in Chicago.

**mauimagic** · 11-22-2009, 01:25 AM

Fantastic discovery - great for you!!

Eggplant lasagne is really good - just slice the eggplant the long way, par boil it and use it the same way you would use noodles!!

Have fun with all your goodies!!

**nodmicks** · 11-22-2009, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by brainyblonde

That is quite a deal for $15. I'm curious about the taste of the hemp milk. Did you try it yet?

yes I did~ straight out of the carton. It may be full of omega 3 but yuck!!!!!

**nodmicks** · 11-22-2009, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

Fantastic discovery - great for you!!

Eggplant lasagne is really good - just slice the eggplant the long way, par boil it and use it the same way you would use noodles!!

Have fun with all your goodies!!

Thanks! I'll try that with one and I think I'll par boil and freeze the other two in strips.