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Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Quick tip on how to get free produce!

Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit and Vegetables

I have been having multiple conversations with people lately about the rising costs of groceries. It seems as if some people are in a near panic about it, because it doesn't look like it's going to get better anytime soon.

So, I thought I would offer one tip on how we have gotten free produce that has been a blessing to our family at different times of the year.

Your local freecycle!

Most people just think of it as a way to give away and get old junk. Think about it though, there are lots of people that have an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit that will go to waste if someone doesn't take it. It's just not something most think of posting for.

In our experience, if you post in a friendly, and not desperate sounding way, most people will gladly give any excess they have. Don't think of it as begging. That's what freecycle is for, to give away something you don't need.

We have been offered free figs, pears, and even chickens. When we go, we pick for whomever it is that offered them. It is usually an older person that just doesn't have a need for it all. It is a blessing for them also. We have made preserves, canned, and frozen the produce we have received. We also offer to share what we have made. So far, everyone has invited our family to come back every year since they love the kids.

In this day and age, we have to be creative and think outside of the box. Go ahead and try it, freecycle is easy to join. It's what works for me!

Please share any other tips you have for saving on produce. It can be so expensive!

7 comments:

Carlie Faulk said...

Bring on the the strawberry-fig preserves!! What a week that'll be!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, I don't know about your area but here in ID, people use the free local Craigslist a lot and post extra produce on there. We have had several occassions when we got more than we needed and paid it forward so to speak. You can also post a free Want for any extra produce or fruit.

I really enjoy your blog!
Thanks
Pris

Kate said...

I really love this tip and planning on using it this summer. We currently live in a condo. and as much as I'd love to plant a garden, we just can't. But I do love fresh produce.

We looked into joining a CSA last summer but it seemed like too much $ for us. Do you have any experience with those? Thanks again!

Teresa said...

Pris, we do have a craigslist here but I have yet to see any produce offered. Of course I will keep my eye out for any though, thanks!

Carlie, of course we'll be about out by then so i'll need to pick a ton.:-)

Kate, I do not believe that we have anything like that here. They might have a share outside of the city limits, I don't know. It is a neat concept though. Oh, have you thought of getting some buckets and planting tomatoes or bell peppers in them?

anon said...

I got denied membership. hmmm. I don't know what's up with that.

anon said...

i got another email about. she the site strictly forbids selling, trading, bartering. it is only for recycling. so i guess i used the wrong words when i answered the question "why do you want to join". any suggestions what i could put - i like to recycle?
i don't have smileys but i would be inserting an eye rolling smiley right here. hehe

Teresa said...

Melissa, I would just answer something to the effect that you would rather give things to people who need and also receive things that you may need, rather than just throwing it away.