[HerbanGirl]

I've been checking out CSA's and meat buying clubs, in an effort to be more proactive about getting great quality food. I live alone, and cook about half my meals for myself and half for my boyfriend and me.

Here in my town, I can join a CSA that supplies produce and eggs. A year of bi-weekly boxes with a dozen eggs costs $856.

The closest good meat buying club is about 1 1/2 hours away, and the pick-up is once a month. I can get 11 lbs per month of various meats, all grass-fed and pastured, for $860 per year.

This feels like a TON of money to shell out, and maybe I could stagger the payments by joining one in January and one in July. But before I do this, I want to know that a) I'm getting a good deal, and b) I'm not getting in over my head. I guess "b" is really up to me, to decide whether I can commit to a year-long commitment. But does anyone have feedback about "a"? How does this stack up in terms of keeping a TF budget? If I buy some of KerryAnn's menu mailers I can probably use up the food pretty well, and I can always give leftovers to my family and/or my BF's family.

I guess I'm mostly just thinking out loud here, but I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

 

[TwilightJoy]

If you'd rather pick only 1, go with the meat. IMHO good quality meat is better than good quality veggies.

 

[cristeen]

$1700 for a years worth of groceries (assuming a 52 week year), comes out to under $33/week. In my book that's actually a pretty darned good deal.

The only thing left to buy would be milk, cheese and any grain products.

Personally I think that's a great deal.

Of course, if either of those is not a 52 week year (some CSAs have a 34 week year or some such weird thing), then it's not such a great deal.

 

[sharr610]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cristeen $1700 for a years worth of groceries (assuming a 52 week year), comes out to under $33/week. In my book that's actually a pretty darned good deal. The only thing left to buy would be milk, cheese and any grain products. Personally I think that's a great deal. Of course, if either of those is not a 52 week year (some CSAs have a 34 week year or some such weird thing), then it's not such a great deal.

Agreed...I was doing the math too and coming to similar conclusions...this is a good deal! Save your grocery receipts for a week and I think you'll come to the same conclusion as we have...

 

[HerbanGirl]

Boy, when you put it that way, it does sound like a good deal! And I don't eat dairy or grains, so the only supplements would be coconut oil, nuts, and the odd-other-thing here and there. Hm! Thanks, y'all!