Lakeshore Produce What?

What is a produce co-op?
A co-op is a group of people who get together in order to purchase large quantities of fresh produce at wholesale prices. This means we have to do some work ourselves, but with the whole group contributing, the work is minimal and the benefits are definitely worth it. We maintain a group of 36 members—or orders—which provides the benefit of a wonderful variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for a very reasonable price.

How much does it cost, what will I be getting, how much work do I have to do?
We receive a delivery of produce once every two weeks. The cost per order is $35 every two weeks. Some families who eat more fruits and vegetables or larger families may elect to place two orders for $70 every two weeks. Others split baskets between two or more families. You can check out some of the previous orders so you can get some idea of how much produce comes each time. Keep in mind that the quantity varies depending on season. Baskets are much fuller in the summer than in the winter! Our experience is that overall it will be plenty of produce for some, but others may need to supplement their family’s produce needs. If you ever decide that the co-op is not benefiting you and your family, you can give us three weeks notice, cease your participation, and receive your $35 deposit back as long as you have paid for your final order. If you fail to give 3 weeks notice, or fail to pay for the final order, your deposit will not be refunded.

We will post a list of the produce to be ordered every two weeks by Wednesday morning so you will know what to expect and plan out your delicious, healthy menus! The order is delivered to 574 Lakeshore Drive on Thursday of that week. We schedule 4 members each delivery to meet the truck, help check the order, and sort the vegetables into individual baskets. With 36 of us, that means each person will be responsible to sort vegetables 2-3 times a year.

The sorting process takes about 45 minutes. Each individual will need to pick up their basket(s) of produce within one hour of the truck’s arrival. This is especially important in the summer as some of the produce will wilt and be ruined in the heat.

How do I Join?
When you come up on the waiting list, Deby Jensen will contact you by email to let you know that a spot is available for you. If you decide to join the co-op, you will need to send $50 to Deby Jensen by the date she tells you. $35 of this is the security deposit that can either be applied to your final vegetable order or be returned to you upon receipt of payment for a final order. The other $15 will be used to purchase 2 laundry baskets. The baskets are what we use to facilitate the sorting and distribution of the produce. These laundry baskets will belong to you, but we have to purchase them so that all the baskets are the same type and size. Every two weeks, you will return your empty basket when you pick up your basket full of produce. Your payment for each order will be due at the time you pick up your full basket. If you fail to pick up your basket, it will be donated to a local family in need. If you fail to make a payment on an order, you will lose your place in the co-op and your deposit.

Occasionally we will have special offers that we make available to those on the waiting list as well as the regular co-op members. We will post information on those things when they come up and you just need to respond with your interest.