Trying to go organic

[Aimee]

I just barely heard of the food co-op in this area.  I think it sounds great.
Basically you get some fruits/veggies/meat/grains for a pretty good deal, and in turn you volunteer your time doing something.  We really want to do it, but I keep forgetting to sign up!

[berriesweetest]

oh-then that is what my in-laws have already with their garden. anyone in the famuly who works on it or buys stuff towards it gets to share in the food.
we have skipped on it in the past, but now it seems like a really smart idea to get in on. i'll call tomorrow.

[grocerymama]

Consider getting together with a group of friends and each of you  growing one item. One person plants tomatoes, one zuchinni and so on and so forth. Decided what you all like. Then you only have to concentrate on one item. At the end of the growing season (or as each veggie ripens) bring in the harvest and share with the group.

[Tara]

Consider getting together with a group of friends and each of you  growing one item. One person plants tomatoes, one zuchinni and so on and so forth. Decided what you all like. Then you only have to concentrate on one item. At the end of the growing season (or as each veggie ripens) bring in the harvest and share with the group.

Hey, that sounds fun!

[berriesweetest]

finally getting in on my inlaws co-op! all we have to do is contribute time or money, and hubby is going to buy chikcen wire to keep the wildlife out (inlaws have deer, rabbit. etc) on their property.

[greentalk]

A food co-op is where organic farm produce is delivered to a place and people just pick up whatever is delivered.  It is based upon what food are harvested at certain times.  Check out this link:  http://www.coopdirectory.org/. 

[grocerymama]

I was looking for a site directory like this. Thanks for the link!

[momof2]

We try to go about 75% organic.  There have been some studies on the amount of pesticides in childrens blood being greatly reduced by those who eat organic.

We are part of a farmer's co-op too.  This is where you actually buy a share of the crops for the year.  You get what they grow.  It is fantastic!  It is local and organic.  It is picked each week right before you get it (weekly) - so it is amazinginly fresh.  You learn to eat what is in season and what can grow in your area.  Of course, I supplement with other stuff at the store (which is not necessarily in season in the U.S.).

[aliall]

We do a CSA (type of food coop) too.  We love it.  My kids are 6, 4, and 2 and are getting used to eating whatever comes that week>

We also order from a buying club type of food coop.  We do one based out of Iowa city.  I post about it in my blog and even list my receipts so you can see how much things are.  I pretty much get my organic staples (beans, rice, flour, diced tomatoes) for the same price as grocery store regular food. 


We also try and get things at the farmers' markets. 

It is hard and expensive, but I think the meats and dairy are the most important things to switch.  Also, here in Iowa a gallon of organic milk is between $6-6.50, but we have a brand that is rBGH free but not organic that is less than $4, so I do that when my budget starts creeping up.

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you have any other specific questions!

[greenresolutions]

Healthy Child, Healthy World also has information about which fruits and veggies have the highest amounts of pesticides:
http://healthychild.org/5steps/5_steps_4/#what_to_do
At this link, you can also click the "safety checklist" button for more information.

And http://www.localharvest.org/ has a lot of information about sources for organic foods and lists local resources, including co-ops and CSAs.