How to buy local, be frugal AND eat organic

Farm Fresh to You box

By now, most people who live in California have become aware of the fact that something is going on with our food system and it is very wise to eat organic fruits and veggies whenever possible.

The very best place to get those fruits and veggies is at your local farmer's market. Let's face it, we need to support the local farmer's that are going out of their way to continue to produce food that isn't toxic to our health.

But, it isn't always convenient to get to the farmer's market or maybe their isn't one near you.

Well, now there is a great service available to Southern and Northern California - Farm Fresh to You.

You sign up for the service and box of locally grown, organic food is delivered to your door. How easy is that?

Well, it gets even easier and better. You can tell them whether you want mostly fruits or mostly veggies. You can tell them what you DON'T want (no kale for me, thanks). There are small boxes and large boxes.

Plus, if you use special code 6164 and tell them my name (Bobbi Brunoehler) you will get $10 off your first box and I will get a credit on my next box.

You can get a box once a month or once a week. You can order just one box and try it out.

I love this service. The food stays fresh so much longer because it is picked right before it is delivered to you.

So, where is the frugal part? Fresh, organic food is much more filling and nutritious so you don't need as much of it. Plus, you save on medical bills because, well, this stuff is actually healthy for you.

NorCal folks - ask about adding some fresh eggs to your order. SoCal folks - they say that fresh eggs will come soon.

Organic Fruits & Veggies delivered to your door

Want to know the best bargain? Good health. Think of the money that you save by having a healthy body. One of the things you can do to maintain good health is to eat organic fruits and vegetables.

After years of looking, I finally found a company that will deliver organic fruits and veggies right to my door! If you live in California, you can use them too. If you don't live in California, check out the list at the end of this article to find an organic delivery service in your area.

I've tried going to the Farmer's Market, but I seem to never be in the right neighborhood at the right time. Plus, I've got to say that I spend every last penny (literally) that I have when I go to the farmer's market. The urge to impulse buy is just too much for me.

I also considered joining a group that had a weekly drop off time at a local park. This seemed like a good idea, but it would have meant dedicating my Saturday mornings to picking up this produce and I just didn't want to do that.

Finally, I found Farm Fresh to You. I'm very happy with my experience with this group.

Here is the deal.

1. You pick the kind of items you want - just fruit, just veggies or a mixed box of both.

2. You pick the size of the box.

3. You pick the frequency of delivery.

4. You can cancel at any time.

5. They deliver to your door in recyclable boxes. You don't have to be home to receive shipment.

6. You can mark permanent exclusions for items you never want.

7. You can check out the list of items in this week's shipment ahead of time and make changes.

8. They have great customer service. If there is a mistake, they gladly will make up for it.

9. All organic. All local farmers.

10. Items look and taste great.

11. Their prices are not super cheap, but organic food never is. However, for the quality, the savings on gas and time PLUS no impulse buys on my part, I think this is a great deal.

I really like this service. I think you might like them also. So, here is how you can try them out and get a discount.

Go to www.farmfreshtoyou.com and check out the info on the site. When you are ready to sign up, click on sign up. Enter promo code 6164 and you will get $5 off your first order.

Where it says "How did you hear of us" click on "other." If you then put in "other/detail" the numbers 104380, I will get a credit. This would be a nice validation for me and help support my blog.

Unfortunately, Farm Fresh to You only delivers in California. However, other areas have similar programs.

Seattle, Washington area - New Roots Organics
New York, NY - Urban Organic
Colorado, Michigan, Kansas City & New England - Door to Door Organics
London, England - The Organic Delivery Company
Melbourne, Australia - Organic Angels

If you are not in any of these areas, you can search the term "organic food delivery"+"name of your area" and see what comes up.

Please let me know if you use Farm Fresh to You and how it works for you. If you use another service, please place a comment so that others can learn from you.

Here's to good veggies and good health.