produce from the Co-op

After reading an article in the O'Fallon Progress about Community Helpings Co-op, I decided to try it out. For $23, I was supposed to get about $50 worth of fruits and veggies. I pre-ordered and pre-paid through their website http://www.communityhelpingscoop.com/ (I used my debit card, but also accepted are credit cards and payment through PayPal. I think orders need to be placed by the Friday before the pick up date (may depend on the location).

They have a pick up at a church near me every other Tuesday (yesterday, Aug. 17 was in O'Fallon, IL). The website lists the locations and days for pick ups.

I took my son Andrew with me in case I needed an extra hand. Pick up was 5-5:30 p.m. I waited in line (lots of others were doing this--a good sign). My name was checked off, and my bag of goodies was waiting for me (a really big bag with my name on it). Andrew and I transferred the items from the bag into a box and smaller bags.

What did I get for my $23? Glad you asked. Here is the list:

• 1 large head broccoli
• 2 bunches celery
• 1 head lettuce (butter lettuce)
• 3 tomatoes 
• 1 small paper bag of fresh spinach leaves
• 7 small-medium cucumbers
• 4 heads garlic
• 3 red bell peppers
• 1 16-oz. bag babty carrots
• 1 8 oz. package white mushrooms
• 1 large melon
• 4 "doughnut" peaches
• 8 apples
• 4 pears
• 3 large plums
• 3 grapefruit
• 5 lemons

The items vary from week to week, depending on the seasons and providers. Some items are locally grown. The site also sells other items (again they vary) such as locally made tortilla chips. Everything looked fresh and ripe, not beat up and bruised. I sorted the items and cleaned and cut up the celery. My produce bins in my fridge are overflowing, and I am happy so far.

Now I have to build meals around this bounty so I can used everything up. It bothers me to waste any food, no matter the cost. Tonight I will be making something with the spinach and mushrooms, along with a BIG salad. They will go along with the grilled chicken thighs I bought at Trader Joe's.