Spring always brings on the desire to include more fresh fruits and vegetables to my family's table. Although we buy fruit and veggies year round, there is just something about spring that makes me crave them even more. I'm not sure if it is the fact that we will be wearing summer clothes again, or just that we are ready for something fresh picked on the plate. No matter what is causing the cravings, the result seems to always lead to a higher grocery bill. Having fresh fruits and vegetables available for our kids shouldn't have to break the bank.
Bountiful Baskets is the solution for families that are in the same predicament as mine. Bountiful Baskets is a not-for-profit food co-op that delivers to Conifer and Morrison every two weeks - year around! Yes, even in the snow! With every contribution you receive two baskets, one filled with fruit and one filled with veggies, all for a $15 contribution for non-organic produce and $25 for organic. This is a savings of up to $35 off what you would spend at the grocery store. My family budget loves that!
How Does It Work?
I love that there is no contract required to participate in Bountiful Baskets. Every other week you sign in to the website to make your contribution. You can choose between non-organic baskets or a pre-packaged organic box. Contributions can be made starting on noon on Monday and ending on Tuesday at 10pm the week of pick-up, which is always on Saturday. Once you make your initial contribution, you can choose from several different add-ons. Options are seasonal and may include peaches, citrus, tomatoes, pickling cucumbers, apples, pairs, etc. You also get to choose bread products like sandwich breads, sourdough breads (my favorite), tortillas, wraps and more. You can also opt for pantry items like granola, olive oil, all natural nut butters. Last week there was even a large jar of organic coconut oil! It is fun to see what is offered at each contribution week! Keep in mind, baskets and add-ons are available on a first come-first served basis, so getting your contribution in early is always best!
Bountiful Baskets is run completely by volunteers. The costs are so low because there are no employees. Volunteers are necessary for the co-op to continue to come to our community. We are fortunate to have an amazing group of volunteers that get everything ready before pick-up.
Looking to Volunteer?
There is a place for anyone who wants to help. Although the age requirement to be able to handle the food is 12, children of all ages can come out to help. Duties include unloading the crates and boxes from the truck, setting up baskets, distributing fruits and vegetables equally into baskets, helping distribute baskets at pick-up, helping carry the bounty to cars, and more. Younger kids like to help with breaking down boxes, wiping out baskets or pushing and pulling carts. There are added benefits to spending the extra hour helping out. Each volunteer gets to choose an extra fruit or vegetable to add to their basket and once distribution is complete they get to be the first to choose their baskets from the line-up. But really, the fun part is spending time with other families in the community who also enjoy helping others.
We hope to see you at the next Bountiful Baskets Pick-Up. I'm sure your family will love the bounty you get to take home as well as enjoy time with others in the community if you get a chance to volunteer. The next contribution will begin at noon on Monday, May 18th. To participate in Bountiful Baskets, visit their website at bountifulbaskets.org. For up-to-date information on the Conifer pick-up site "like" the Basket Co-Op Facebook Page.
Pick-Up Loctions
Conifer Mountain Resource Center
11030 Kitty Dr, Conifer
