Introductory Letter- Updated January 2010

LAKESHORE VEGETABLE CO-OP GROUP:
PLEASE READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY!

Information—
All information for the co-op is directed via email. You must check your email.
We also have a blog at LAKESHOREPRODUCECO-OP.BLOGSPOT
Information will also be posted on the blog.

Payments –
All payments will be handled through PayPal. You may use credit/debit or a PayPal account to pay.

You will receive a request for a $52 deposit. This deposit covers the purchase of your laundry baskets to use when sorting vegetables. Each week you will pick up 1 basket of produce and bring the empty basket back. These baskets are yours and you take them with you when you leave the co-op. They will be labeled with a number for easier identification when you pick up.

Your deposit also contains your last payment, which is held in the account until your last payment. Your last payment can occur when you give notice that you are leaving, or when you fail to pay on time. Please give 3 weeks notice when you want to quit, so a replacement can be found for you.

Once your deposit is paid, you will be added to the co-op. You will then receive a once a month request for your co-op payment. Be aware that most months will have 2 deliveries, requiring $72.50 but there are a few months with 3 deliveries, requiring $108.50. All payments are due upon receipt of PayPal invoice. If you do not pay by the first delivery of that month, your deposit will be used and you will lose your place in the co-op. All payments are made directly to the produce company on the day of delivery & the co-op cannot float your payment.

If you are sharing your basket with someone, you must make the one full payment to the co-op. You are then responsible for getting paid by those you share with.

Pickup Location—
Pickup location is 574 North Lakeshore Drive in Provo. Deliveries will be on every other Thursday. The co-op coordinators will stay at the pick up location for 30 minutes after pick up time and then they will leave. If you have not picked up your basket, it will be left out for you to pick up at your convenience. However, there will be no protection from the elements and fruits and vegetables will begin to wilt in the heat or freeze in the cold. You are responsible for the order, even if the weather damages it, animals damage it, or it is stolen. If you are working or unable to pickup your basket, please make arrangements with someone else in the co-op, making sure they bring your empty basket with them.

You will also need to take home 1-3 boxes with you to throw away, depending on that week’s order. If baskets are not picked up, they will be donated to a local family in need or the Food Coalition. You are responsible for the order, even if you are out of town.

Sorting Produce –
You will be assigned to sort produce every 3-4 months, along with 2-3 other people. Please pay attention to your assigned date. If you cannot be there on your assigned date, please trade with someone. Emergencies happen, but please call Candy Jackson at 801-735-1657 if something happens and you cannot find a substitute.

Produce Order –
You will receive an e-mail by Wednesday before the order so you will know what produce to expect.. The goals of the co-op are to find a balance between vegetables & fruits, to purchase in bulk to get good prices, to find a balance between variety & quantity, & to introduce our families to new fruits & vegetables. Everyone’s needs or preferences cannot be accommodated. If you receive something you do not like or have an allergy, please contact someone in the co-op and work out a trade with them. Each basket will be filled the same and it is your responsibility to work out any trades. You may also order extra above the $35 order. For example, if you want an entire case of oranges for your family, you may purchase a case and pay for it in addition to the $35 co-op order. Occasionally, we have the opportunity to order fruits, nuts, spices, emergency supplies, etc. at a special bulk pricing. If you would like to request something to be ordered, please contact Allison Belnap at 801-371-8762 1 week prior to delivery.

Waiting List –
As people express interest in the co-op, they will be put on a waiting list. If you know others who are interested, please have them email Candy Jackson at jacksoncandace@hotmail.com. They will be added to the waiting list, and as openings become available, people will be contacted in the order they are on the waiting list.

Phone Tree –
Delivery times cannot be controlled. When the truck is close, he will call Deby Jensen and she will then start a phone tree. You will be given 2 times. The 1st time is when the truck will arrive and the sorters need to be there. The 2nd time is when you should pick up your produce. Please call the people you are responsible to call. If they do not answer, please leave them a message and then call the people they are responsible to call to continue the Phone Tree. There will often be changes, due to changes in membership, so please pay attention when you receive a new Phone Tree via email.


All questions should be directed to:
Deby Jensen debyj12@gmail.com 801-373-4364
Candy Jackson jacksoncandace@hotmail.com 801-735-1657
Allison Belnap abelnap@gmail.com 801-371-8762