I discovered the Arlington Produce Co-op a few years ago. Our family loves the value, variety, and ease of it! We also enjoy trying new fruits and vegetables every now and then. For example, I don't generally buy eggplant or flavored grapes but it's fun when we receive them from the co-op!
Arlington Produce Co-op is a group of volunteers who have been working together to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for their families at a significant savings (approximately 50% of grocery store prices) since 2009! The produce is purchased wholesale from a local delivery company that supplies local restaurants and grocery stores.
Orders are placed every other week. When you decide that you would like to participate, you place your order (or make your contribution) by 9 pm on the Thursday before the Co-op runs. For example, the next delivery day is this Saturday, October 22nd. So orders need to be placed by Thursday, October 20th at 9pm. Orders are to be picked up on Saturday morning between 8:30 and 9 am near downtown Arlington. The exact address will be emailed to you after your order is placed.
The Arlington Produce Co-op has several baskets to choose from. Our family generally orders the Conventional Basket which is a mix of popular fresh fruits and vegetables. Items change each time depending on current prices. The Best of Both Worlds Basket contains fruits and vegetables that follow the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists (a mix of conventional and organic). There is also a Veggie Basket. It's perfect for all of us who love vegetables or simply want to make sure that our family eats enough of them. This Summer the Fruit Basket will be back! Our family goes through fruit like it's going out of style. So we always add on a Fruit Basket when they are available.
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Above is a photo of a Convention Basket that I posted to Social Media on June 18th of this year. This basket included bananas, tomatoes, bell peppers, apples, cucumbers, pears, onions, potatoes, nectarines, cauliflower, spinach, celery, and grapes. Basket contents vary but I can say that we are always happy.
Being that this is a "co-op", there is an expectation that participants volunteer once every 3 to 4 times that they purchase. It is understood that everyone may not be able to physically sort produce. It is wonderful if you can sort but if not, you could sign up to take the trash or recycling. You could even do as I did above and promote the co-op by posting on social media. There are volunteer opportunities for every ability.
The Arlington Produce Co-op operates on a zero profit model. 100% of what people pay for their produce goes into purchasing the produce wholesale from the supplier. The Delivery Fee covers various costs including Paypal fees, containers for dividing produce into, and the website.
Order Now from Arlington Produce Co-op
(If the order date, 10/20 @ 9pm has passed, like them on Facebook)
Arlington Produce Co-op Facebook Page
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