My grocery bill shock led me to try something new

I used to think shopping at big chain stores was the only smart way to buy food. Lately, though, I've seen a bunch of small community boards pop up with ads for local produce swaps. I'd walk past them on my rounds and shrug, figuring it was just a trend. Then I talked to a regular on my mail route who raved about her fruit and veg box from a nearby farm. She said her family saved a good chunk of cash each week. I decided to test it out for myself last season. The box was cheaper than my usual haul, and the food lasted longer. Now I split a order with a couple other households, and we all keep more money in our pockets. It totally changed how I see buying groceries.

3 comments

3 Comments

margaret_hall7mo ago

Last year I started getting a veg box from River Bend Farm. It was $30 a week but then I found out they give a discount if you pick it up yourself. Saved me like $10 each time. Now I go with my neighbor and we split a bigger box, cuts the cost even more. The key is to ask around at farmers markets, they always have deals you don't see online. Once you find a good source, it just makes sense to stick with it.

beth_sanchez7mo ago

Switching to a CSA from Miller's Creek actually got me trying vegetables I never bought before like kohlrabi and rainbow chard. It forced me to learn new recipes so nothing went to waste, which I never thought about when I just grabbed the same things at the store every week. The weirdest benefit was how it cut down on my plastic trash because nothing comes in those clam shell containers. Now I feel kinda ripped off by the big produce section with all its packaging and stuff that goes bad so fast.

tylermason6mo ago

My local farm does a $25 box if you commit for the whole season. Found out they throw in extra herbs if you bring your own bag to pick it up.