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Produce coop for heavy veggie eaters in Western Chicago 'burbs?

post #1 of 24
9/26/10 at 9:17pm
Thread Starter 
OMG, I'm dying. We belong to a CSA but it's getting us through about half the week (and in all fairness, back East we had the same issue with the CSAs there).

I need a produce coop--preferably one that has different box sizes and/or weekly delivery. In NJ we belonged to one that delivered to different pickup sites on different days--so if I picked up in two different locations, I could pick up every week.

So I'm looking for something like that. And it can be partially fruit. That's what we had before and it's totally fine.

TIA!
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post #2 of 24
9/29/10 at 6:31pm
Have you tried calling Goodness Greeness? They have a huge warehouse in Chicago and they run a group called Sustainable Foods. Sustainable Foods deals stricktly with co-ops in the area. I run one in Southern Will County but I am guessing that it would be too far for you and I know there is one in Naperville. I could probably get some information for you, or atleast a phone number if you were interested.

In peace & health
Kimberly
post #3 of 24
9/30/10 at 9:52am
Kimberly-
I'd love to hear about the Naperville co-op as well. CSA season will be ending in 2 mos. and we'd love something for the rest of the year. Some of my friends used to use Natural Direct, but I hear that they're no longer doing produce.

Heatherdeg-do you mind me asking which CSA you use. We've worked with 3 out here and the quantities have been somewhat variable. Another option would be to buy 2 shares through your CSA.
post #4 of 24
10/2/10 at 11:49pm
I know Green Earth Institute in Naperville runs a CSA. I've never used it, but I go to church with the owner and know that its a real labor of love.

http://www.greenearthinstitute.org/
post #5 of 24
10/14/10 at 1:10am
Thread Starter 
Kimberley--yes, PLEASE!!!

We're using Angelic Organics CSA and it will end soon; but truly isn't enough. I think it's close to the amount we got at our old CSA, but that wasn't enough, either (we had the co-op on top of that). I'm not sure we'll do the CSA again if I can get into a good co-op.
post #6 of 24
10/14/10 at 10:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by heatherdeg View Post
Kimberley--yes, PLEASE!!!

We're using Angelic Organics CSA and it will end soon; but truly isn't enough. I think it's close to the amount we got at our old CSA, but that wasn't enough, either (we had the co-op on top of that). I'm not sure we'll do the CSA again if I can get into a good co-op.
Heather-
We're currently with Angelics too. I know it's only a temporary fix, but you could do the extended (winter) share and buy 2 boxes. They usually do a special price for the second box so you'd get double the amount of produce for $180 for 4 weeks.
post #7 of 24
10/15/10 at 12:41am
I have the information on a buying food co-op, but I am STILL waiting to hear back from my rep about one in Naperville! Goodness Greeness is going through some changes and I am trying to be patient but I called them early last week.....

The contact I have is
Wesley Buying Co-op John Parker, Naperville, IL 630-355-5268

I hope he has some info for you girls about some produce. If not, I will have to talk to Goodness Greeness next week to order! Will post with any updates
post #8 of 24
10/15/10 at 6:34pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks all!
post #9 of 24
10/19/10 at 5:44pm
FYI I just spoke to John Parker's daughter (adult) who is also a member of the co-op. I'm waiting to get more info because it sounds intriguing, but it is not for produce. It appears to be dry/canned goods, dried fruits/nuts, household items (e.g. shampoo), vitamins, frozen foods, etc. but not fresh produce.
post #10 of 24
10/20/10 at 12:16am
I have been considering starting a produce co-op in Naperville (to add on to the one I have further south), but I guess I figured there would already be one! If this is not the case I will be starting one in Naperville, pickup will be at The Healing Place. I will have to talk with the owner to make sure and we will have to work out all of the details.
post #11 of 24
10/20/10 at 2:43pm
As far as I know we have nothing here! Oh and The Healing Place is walkable from my house...that would be awesome!!
post #12 of 24
10/20/10 at 2:50pm
OK I just looked at your website and saw the description of the produce co-op and this is exactly what we need out here! I have a couple different moms/health groups that I would be happy to get involved to ensure we could get enough to fill cases. They are always looking for good value too.
post #13 of 24
10/20/10 at 3:22pm
I too know of a number of families who would be interested in the w' burbs, some who have even specifically said that it's a shame that we don't have a food co-op out this way.
post #14 of 24
10/20/10 at 11:45pm
Okay ladies, I have finally spoken with someone from Goodness Greeness and there is NO produce co-op out there. I will get this coordinated and maybe ready for next month if all goes well? Start spreading the word!

I will keep you posted...
post #15 of 24
10/20/10 at 11:53pm
Mamatoto2....I wonder if we are in the same groups? It's always funny to find out who people are online.

Naturopath Mom just in case my pregnant brain forgets to check back to this thread please send me a private message if you get more details and I will most definitely post to my groups. Also if you need help let me know I am literally around the corner from that pick-up location and am happy to help.
post #16 of 24
10/21/10 at 12:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jcr92901 View Post
Mamatoto2....I wonder if we are in the same groups? It's always funny to find out who people are online.

Naturopath Mom just in case my pregnant brain forgets to check back to this thread please send me a private message if you get more details and I will most definitely post to my groups. Also if you need help let me know I am literally around the corner from that pick-up location and am happy to help.
Oh, I'm sure there's some overlap. We crunchy-minded suburbanites tend to bump into each other here and there after a while
post #17 of 24
11/3/10 at 7:13pm
Thread Starter 
I have no idea where The Healing Place is, but I'm on the border of Naperville--so seriously, how far can it possibly be? As it was, I was driving to Downer's Grove (from Oakhurst in Aurora) for my CSA pickup.

Count me in. Double score that I could get food weekly (most of the coops back home are biweekly--which made me insane). And will post to the local HMN chapter loop.
post #18 of 24
11/4/10 at 12:53am
Okay everyone, it's a go! Look like we are going to see how many we can get interested and we will do an order the end of November. Send me your emails and I will be sending out details to follow. You can email SchifferND@yahoo.com

The Healing Place is located at 513 W 87th Street, Naperville. Between Washington and Plainfield/Naperville Road. Not far from 75th. www.thehealingplace.me should have directions. First pickup is looking to be the last Thursday in November.
post #19 of 24
11/5/10 at 9:28pm
I'm in! Kimberly, I've already emailed you but thought I'd post here, too. Thanks!
post #20 of 24
11/5/10 at 9:32pm
Question....I'm looking at the Goodness Greenness website but don't see any info about how the co-ops are run, what it includes, etc, etc. If anyone has more specific info, please post! I'd love to help spread the word but it's kind of hard if I don't know details. At least a few?
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