Last November I discovered Bountiful Baskets, a produce co-op. Have you heard of it?

Photo credit: InspiredRD.com

Here’s how it works.

You place an order the first part of the week, depending on your state’s deadline, and pick up your order on the following Saturday. You can order the typical “basket” or upgrade to an all organic offering. They also offer non-produce as well as in season “extras”. The Nine Grain Bread is addicting, by the way.

The value is unbeatable. For $16.50 (plus $3 for your first order to reserve your basket), you get two laundry baskets full of fruits and vegetables.

Now I’m a total Costco girl, and to use the words of my father, I’m usually of the opinion that “if its not at Costco, its not worth getting”. But, when it comes to produce, I still think I get a better value with Bountiful Baskets…plus I’m not eating apples for 35 days and then some.

Here’s why I think Bountiful Baskets qualifies as a WMBF…

1. Its a great value
2. If you plan your menu around what you get in your basket, you dont have to wonder if you have fresh produce for your recipes
3. You get to try things you may not otherwise…like mangos, butternut squash and kale, to name a few
4. It forces you to get creative with your meals and break out of the same boring chicken dish you make 4 times a week
5. You’re supporting local/semi-local growers

Some things to keep in mind if you plan on trying Bountiful Baskets…

1. You’ll need to think ahead a few days, which can be hard if you’re like me and cant think past tomorrow.
2. You’ll need to be able to pick up your basket in the 20 minute window they give you (but you can always have a friend pick up your order)
3. You’ll want to read up on storage and freezing tips
4. You may want to check out inspiredRD, who does a fabulous job each week of giving you recipe suggestions based on that weeks’ offerings

So as a happy Bountiful Basketer, I’d wholehearted recommend it for any busy mom wanting to give her family a healthy serving of fresh, local produce each week. Check out the locations page to see if there is a co-op site near you.