Changes to the Good Food Box procedures

Yes we are making some changes to the Good Food Box for the coming semester.

As many of you know, I will be gone to Wheaton with my Husband from Jan - March (with a brief trip to Switzerland at the beginning of that time).

I have already spoken with many of you concerning the changes, but here are the details all the same.

Madeleine Bischoff and Joyce Anderson will be looking after the program while I am gone. Both will be able to write to this board so please keep checking for updates.

To make things are simple as possible for them we are taking orders for Jan, Feb, Mar and April all at once. We also are having the payments simplified by having the payments made via post dated cheques and given to Joyce as soon as possible.

This helps simplify for everyone as then they will only need to remember the pick up dates.

Please have your cheques dated as follows:
Jan 19th, Feb 25th, Mar 23, and April 20

The prices remain the same, $28 - large, $23 - Medium, $18 - small

The Pick up process is changes as well.

Sean and Joyce Anderson will be doing the pick ups for us now. They will be picking up the orders on Wednesday and hope to have the boxes picked up the same night. They live in the blue row housing behind the Prairie dorms.

Pick up Days are as follows:
Jan 21
Feb 25
Mar 25
Apr 22

If you have questions, please feel free to still email myself and I will be happy to do what I can.

Blessings,
Jocelyn

Accepting Orders for Nov 29th

Yes we are already accepting orders for the Dec Good Food Box.

I need to have ordered placed with me, (preferably as a post to the blog) by Monday Nov 24.

The pick up will be Friday Dec 5th, but I hope to experiment with the pick up location. Details to follow.

I did just want to also thank those who let me know if they have produce that is not good. From what I can tell this isn't always the case with all boxes and it is just a few. I am very happy to know about this as I do pass this information along to the organizers in Calgary.

It is helpful to keep in mind that this is an entirely volunteer run endevor. No one is making a profit out of this and thus the costs can still be reasonable. I don't think this is a good reason for bad produce, but it might help explain it.

As always, please email, phone or respond to this blog if you have any questions or comments and of course orders.

Many Blessings,
Jocelyn

Accepting Orders for Oct 27th

Hello Everyone!

After a nice long summer break we are back ordering the Good Food Boxes.
Once again the Lorentzen's have graciously agreed to do the pick ups for us in Calgary so you get to still pick up your boxes at their place.

As I am currently on maternity leave, you can drop your payment off at my house, church or mail it to Box 1388.

Please let your friends and family know about this great opportunity.

Blessings
Jocelyn

Accepting Orders for June 16

Hello Everyone!

I know it seems soon (because it is) but it is already time to order your Good Food Box . Just post your replies letting me know what size box you want and how to contact you. While you are at it, just do up the arrangements for payment; be that dropping it in the mail or swinging it by my office.

The boxes will arrive June 27th, same place, same time. If you can't make it at those times, please make sure you arrange with someone else to pick it up.

This will be the last box until August, but essentially it will be September as that is when you will get your boxes. As Farmers markets are still going strong and hopefully everyone's gardens will be producing well by then, there is a good chance we will cancel this order as well. If there is only a small amount of orders it will be cancelled. If you know that you will want to order one, just help us drum up some orders and it won't be a problem.

As usual, if you have questions, concerns or comments, please leave them here or email me at jrschaufele@hotmail.com

Jocelyn

Accepting Orders for May 19th

We are accepting orders for Monday May 19th. Simply respond to this post and let us know what you want.

Please be aware that this is a holiday Monday so get your orders in now to avoid missing it.

Payments need to be send to me, Jocelyn as soon as possible and the easiest way is to drop it off at the Prairie Switchboard, in a clearly marked envelop stating who the order is for and how I can reach you. You can also mail it to me (but that will cost you a stamp) at Box 1388.

Pick up will be:
Friday May 30th between 7 - 7:30 P.M.

Please mark your calendars, set your cell phone alarms or do whatever it takes to remember these times as it makes a big difference for us organizers.

Thanks so much.

Growing, timing and housekeeping

Wow! We have successfully completed another Good Food Box run.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I was really happy with what I had in my box. I am finally getting used to having a whole head of cabbage so it is getting used up right away!

I hoping to start a new advertising campaign and will be putting up posters around town. If you know of anyone who could benefit for a service like this, please let them know. I would love to see this program grow and reach those who really need it. I think it would be good to see this program operating with about 20 consistent orders.

Just a quick reminder as well, it makes a big difference when people send in the payments as soon as they can and also to be ready for your pick ups on that Friday. In light of this, please make sure you include a way I can reach you with your payment.

As always, I love to hear your thoughts on anything and everything. Even if it is just complaining about the rising cost of food. I think dialogue is the first step to a solution.

Thanks so much everyone.
Jocelyn

Accepting Orders for April 21st

Sorry this has taken me so long to post!

Yes we are accepting orders for the May Good Food Box.

As I am out of the country until next week, please just post a comment to this message (remember if you post anonymously to leave your name so I know who gets what box). Also just make sure you have payment to me by April 29th! (I will be home by then)

If this doesn't work for you, please just send your order through to jrschaufele@hotmail.com

The pick up time will be May 2 (Friday) from 7:00 - 7:30. Please mark this on your calenders to remember. I know that things can get crazy, but it really helps alot when everyone picks up their orders on time.

Blessings,
Jocelyn

PS: If you are curious about pictures of our trip you can check some out at danieljocelyn.blogspot.com

Pick ups April 4!

For all those who are new and picking up a Good Food Box for the first time.

Here is a picture of the Lorentzen's garage.

You can see the Lorentzen's garage in the background on the left side. The building on the right is BCP and this picture was taken at the corner right by the Kal Tire place. I hope that helps you find what you are looking for.

Accepting orders for March 24th

We are accepting orders for the April GFB

Orders do need to be in by March 24th. Please note that this is Easter Monday, so I recommend getting orders in much sooner.

In light of this, please just make sure you have the payment to me no later than April 2nd at noon.

The pick up time will be Friday April 4th 7 - 7:30 pm at the Lorentzens

I will be flying out for Switzerland on that day so I will not be able to phone and remind people, so please mark you calenders, set your alarms on your cell phones or whatever works best. I will also be in Switzerland when the next order is due, but I will just email remind people from there.

As always, if there is anything please let me know and PLEASE post comments and thoughts, recipes or even trading of fruits and veggies.

Blessings
Jocelyn

Thanks!

We have completed the second successful Good Food Box run.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated. I can't speak for everyone but I am really happy with what I had in my box.

I want to say a BIG thank you to Becky and Mike for picking up the boxes. Thank you also to everyone for picking up your boxes so promptly, it really is helpful.

Cabbage
The question foremost in my mind is "what in the world do I do with all that cabbage?" I have a feeling I am not the only one who is wondering that either. So I thought I would include a coleslaw recipe that keeps for a long time (several weeks) in here. The only difference is that I usually add some celery seeds and I might or might not heat the oil and vinegar depending on how much time I have.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Angies-Dads-Best-Cabbage-Coleslaw/Detail.aspx

Becky says that using cabbage in stir fry is really good too. Just use it instead of Chinese cabbage or bok choi

Potatoes
Others have mentioned the over abundance of potatoes. I don't know why but I do not have this problem and usually end up buying more...

I have a great recipe for a Potatoe Leek Gratin (you don't have to use Leeks, but they are yummy) that will use up a fair amount of potatoes. If anyone is interested in that just let me know and I will post it.

There are a few other fun Swiss recipes with potatoes that I can include if people are interested.

Beets
I don't have anything great for this, but I know that Madeleine had a good recipe for a salad with beets. Maybe she can post it for us.

The other thing I have is a recipe for Beet bread (you puree the beets and use it right in the bread). Makes for very interesting looking bright pink bread, but kids usually love it and never notice that it is whole wheat.

Recipes Please
If anyone else has helpful ideas for using the GFB just let me know.

Anyone find that you have too many oranges?

Accepting Orders for Feb 25th

It is time again for the next GFB order. Tell your friends and neighbors of the good deal on fresh produce!

I am accepting orders and payment any time now until Feb 25th.

Please post your orders by commenting to this post.

As before, PLEASE talk to me if there is something that needs clarification or financial arrangements need to be made.

Also please note that I have added all the order and pick up dates for 2008 to the post “Order and Pick up dates for 2008”.

If you have questions, please just email me at jrschaufele@hotmail.com

Jocelyn

Accepting Orders for Jan 29th

We are accepting orders for Jan 29th

Thanks.
Jocelyn

Order and Pickup Dates for 2008

All orders need to be accompanied with payment. Payment can be in the form of cash or cheque and need to be given to Jocelyn at her office or Box 1388 Three Hills AB. Please contact Jocelyn if you wish to make other arrangments

All pick ups must happen between 7 - 7:30 pm the date of the pick up. If you are not able to be there on that date then please arrange for someone else to be there to pick it up for you.

The pick up depot is at Becky Lorentzen's house. This is directly behind BCP office building just off of 2nd St N. Just phone if you need more directions.

January
Order: Tues Jan 29

February
Pick up: Friday Feb 8, 7 - 7:30 pm

Order : Mon Feb 25

March
Pick up: Friday Mar 7, 7 - 7:30 pm

Order: Mon Mar 24

April
Pick up: Friday Apr 4, 7 - 7:30 pm

Order: Mon Apr 21

May
Pick up: Friday May 2, 7 - 7:30 pm

Order: Monday May 19 *Please note this is a Holiday Monday*
Pick up: Friday May 30, 7 - 7:30 pm

June
Order: Monday June 16
Pick up: Friday June 27, 7 - 7:30 pm

July
No orders in July

August
Order: Monday Aug 18
Pick up: Friday Aug 29, 7 - 7:30 pm

September
Order: Monday Sept 22

October
Pick up: Friday Oct 3, 7 - 7:30 pm

Order: Monday Oct 27

November
Pick up: Friday Nov 7, 7 - 7:30 pm

Order: Monday Nov 24

December
Pick up: Friday Dec 5, 7 - 7:30 pm

The Good Food Box in Three Hills

What is the Good Food Box (GFB)?

The Good Food Box is like a large buying club with centralized buying that is then divided up amongst it's members so that savings are passed along to everyone involved. By working together we can order fresh produce at discount prices, saving you both time and money. Because everything is run by volunteers there can be a significant difference between the cost of the produce and what you need to pay.

We do this so that good healthy food options are available to everyone. We know that produce can be expensive and we want to make sure that everyone can receive the fresh produce necessary for a good balanced diet. As Three Hills is too small to run and operate their own full program we are working in conjunction with the Calgary Good Food Box program http://www.communitykitchenprogram.com/goodfoodbox.htm.

We are very thankful that we can participate in this wonderful service. All the ordering and dividing up of the GFBs are done by volunteers in Calgary. As Three Hills is out of their delivery range and we are responsible to find the transportation for the boxes from Calgary to Three Hills.

How does it work?

Once a month individuals in Three Hills can place orders for boxes through this site or emailed directly to me at jrschaufele@hotmail.com and receive a box brimming with fresh, tasty produce.

Customers pay $18, $23 or $28 for their box, depending on the size that they choose. (Please note that this is higher than the price in Calgary as we need to cover the cost of picking up the boxes.)

Order dates and pick up times will be posted here for your convenience.Each box contains the same mixture of food, though the contents change with each delivery, depending on what is in season and reasonable at the time. Though you do not get to choose what is in your box you will always receive fresh basic produce.

The small box is based on the number 3 (3 apples, 3 oranges etc.) and usually is sufficient for a single person. The medium box is for a small family of those singles who really love their produce and is based on about 5. The large is for a family and is usually based on quantities of 10. The produce will change from box to box depending on the season and what is available. However basics are always included such as potatoes, carrots, onions and apples.

Large Box, biggest difference
from the meduim is more fruit $28

Medium Box. Fruit in bunches of 5,
but pre-bagged vegetables are the same as the large. $23

Small Box, smaller quantities,
but all the same selection as the other boxes $18

The Good Food Box in Three Hills is picked up by a volunteer and brought to Three Hills, where each person is responsible for picking up their own order. If you have questions, please contact me, Jocelyn via this blog or by email at jrschaufele@hotmail.com.

Thank you so much.

Note:The essential idea of the Good Food Box has been at work in many different communities. Each group can run and function quite differently from place to place. Another post on this site includes information about this program as published from the local District Health Unit and has information about how other programs run.