Food Co-Ops??

QUESTION: Have you heard of the foodco-op.org? It was on news at noon and it sounds a lot like the vegetable groups that some people are involved in, but I don't know if it is the same thing? Would you look at the website and see what you think about it and let me know if you think it is a good idea?

ANSWER: They had an article on this organization in the paper, so I have been looking into their services--many people have asked me to look into this option. Here is what I have found..let's just say it is better than Winder Dairy pricing, but nothing too fabulous. It seems to be more of a hassle than it would be worth for me (the pick up from downtown Salt Lake, the groups, the money exchange, the distribution of items, the mandatory volunteer hours, etc.). You can still save more money by just stocking up on the 'red' deals of the week. Reams has their produce generally for great prices, and if you match them all at Walmart then you are buying ALL of your groceries at the lowest prices and can do quick one-stop shopping.

I also don't like having someone tell me exactly which items I have to buy each week. The recipes and food they have on their lists are not necissarily the ones I would generally need for my family. This company, although there is good to it, does not focus on food storage either. It is important to be buying produce and meat, but also long term food storage items that you can add to your food storage. Food storage needs to be bought, rotated and added to each week, or atleast monthly. They claim you will save 30-50% on your groceries. If you are buying the 'red/great' deals of the week from all the stores (going to each store or matching prices at Walmart) then you should save WELL OVER 50% on your groceries. If you are using the Meal Planner and creating your meals around those items that are on sale, then you will dramatically reduce the amount of money you will be spending on your monthly groceries. Doing this will also give you more flexibility to which items you would like to add to your food storage and freezer. Many of the meats that they offer are not ones I keep on hand in the freezer (chicken thighs, drumsticks, sausage links, salmon, etc.). I would rather stock up on items when they go on sale (check the 'tips of the week' for EXACTLY which items to add each week to your freezer and food storage.

If there is a benefit to this group, I would only sign up for the produce package. The produce are pretty good deals (equal to 'red' deals), but I'm not sure of the quality--I have never tried it. Personally, I like to pick out my own fruit and vegetables and choose the ones that are in the best condition. Even if they are good quality, I'm not sure with the pick up if it would be worth it for the $14 produce package.

I don't want to discourage anyone from joining this company. Check it out! If you think it will work for your family and the foods they order are the ones you will use, then definetly try it. The $4.95 you would spend on a monthly memberhsip to My Food Storage Deals should help you save MUCH more than you would if you use their service--the important thing though, is that you are saving money on groceries! With gas prices, food prices and the state of the economy, if you find something that works for you, then you should do it ;)

Hope that answers your questions. :0)