New Co-op Food Program Enjoys Kick-off Event
Heather Doak (left) and Ben Doak (center) finish up their first day as coordinators for the Bountiful Baskets program in Oskaloosa.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – It’s not a new concept, a co-op is something that helps a group of people save time, labor or money.
One new co-op in the Oskaloosa area is designed to help its users save money on their food bill.
Ben Doak and his wife Heather became aware of the program from Heather’s parents. The couple picked up their first two baskets of food from a co-op in a different town, “we were blown away at the cost reduction we saw in our grocery budget,” says Ben Doak, Area Coordinator for the Oskaloosa Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op Program.
Doak said that, “we saw the savings and quality right away, all our friends and family wanted in on it!”
“We started picking up food for other people and we decided that it was just worth it to get one started up in this area,” added Doak.
If you wonder what will be in your basket of food, Doak says he can’t completely answer that question, “It changes at every single contribution.”
“The best part of Bountiful Baskets is that you never know what you are getting. 50% fruit and 50% vegetables. This does two things, first you feel like it’s Christmas every other week, and second you try things you never would try!” says Doak. “It forces you to get out of your own comfort zone and taste new tastes. It’s really been my favorite part.”
There are also add-on’s for the program. These are extra offerings that vary each time, with standards like bread and fruit.
“Each basket has the total retail value of $35-50. Bountiful Baskets cost on the conventional basket is $15. You can upgrade to an all organic basket for an additional $10,” says Doak. The extra items all vary in price.
There are handling/delivery fees, and more information is available on the website – http://bountifulbaskets.org/
Doak explained, “Signing up is by no means a commitment to purchase. That is another beautiful thing about BBFC, you only contribute when it works out for you. Pick up is quick, simple and seamless.”
Ben and Heather both serve as area coordinators, but the program rely’s on volunteers to help make it happen. “We encourage everyone who contributes for a basket to volunteer at least every 7th contribution. So easy math is 4x a year,” adds Doak. The program delivers to the Oskaloosa area every two weeks.
“Thanks to the Oskaloosa Christian School for partnering with us, with an amazing location,” added Doak.
You can learn more about the program by visiting the before mentioned website, or by visitng the Facebook Group page “Osky Eats Fresh Food Coop” to join events, contribute, volunteer, or pickup times and recipes.
