Food Co-Op Basics.

In each state you have farmers or at least farm dealers.  The basic idea of the Food Co-op is buying the food directly from the farmers instead of through the grocery store.  You get quality food for a little bit over cost.  The more co-op participants there are the cheaper the prices get.  You don't get to pick what is in the harvest that month, but you know there will be varities of meat, fruit, vegetables, and grains.  They change every month depending on which crop is doing well.  

Step One: Go to this website if you live in Utah: Utah Food Co-Op.  If you live out of state find your food co-op here at The Food Co-Op Directory.   You can peruse and learn more about the food co-op. 

Step Two: If you're interested click here to figure out how to order.  There are many pick up sites.  In Utah there are at least 30, you should be able to find one near you.  Make sure to write on your order form which pick up site you're ordering to. You can call in your order or print and mail in your order.  They will send you a follow-up email when they have recieved your order.  Your card or check will be processed at that point (to pay the farmers)

Step Three:  Make sure you show up to get your order.  If you don't pick up your food they don't get it to you, they donate it to local shelters.  The pick up sights have specific times for pick up. 

Step Four:  Bring a laundry basket, box, huge canvas bag or another big holder to carry all your food.  They don't bag them for you, you need provide a way to bring your food home.  At the pick up center they will have a reciept of your order and will double check on exiting that you aren't taking more food than you paid for.  

Step Five:  The food co-op asks you to donate 2-4 hours of community service a month in order to participate in the co-op.  This can be church volunteer hours, other community organizations, or actual volunteering time with the food co-op (bagging rice, counting vegetables, processing orders, etc)

Step Six: Grab the food co-op newspaper when you pick up your food.  It will have the next months order form and some pertinent information.  

Step Seven:   Enjoy your food!  Nummy! Tell everyone you know about the food co-op!  The more people that are invovled the cheaper the food!!  

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