As a mother to 2 small children, one of whom is still at
home full time, I am always on the lookout for ways to save time and reduce
excessive spending. Grocery store
shopping is exhausting and often results in extra purchases like non- essential
treats or other miscellaneous add-ons that usually go to waste. Long lines, hurried patrons, too many
choices, too many labels – it’s overwhelming and the local options are very
limited though some stores are making it more of a priority now.
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| One of our recent large shares + extra fruit and lunch box items |
I discovered Plan B Organic Farms when they were a little newer
and their delivery area wasn’t as large as it is today. We weren’t able to receive a delivery and the
depots near us were out of the way but I continued to keep them in the back of
my mind.
Last winter I looked in to Plan B’s CSA share again and to
my surprise there were several changes.
They deliver to our area now which is awesome! They also have a little more flexibility with
the box contents, now if there is something you never want in your box like
turnip you can say – no turnip ever!
The Plan B Organic Farms CSA also differs as you can easily pause
your subscription for holidays or take a month break if needed. If for some reason it doesn’t work out you
can easily cancel by sending an email request.
Most CSAs are paid up front as well, which for us is too hard to do but
Plan B offers flexibility. We pay weekly
for our box with an email transfer - though other payment schedules and methods
are available.
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| Some of the fruit from this week |
There are 2 share sizes small (10 items or so each week) and
large (12-14items each week). Local only
is an option or local and imported.
During the growing season local is the focus for both shares and many
items are grown by Plan B themselves. We
choose local and imported so in the winter months we have a better variety of
fruits and vegetables the kids will eat.
Another great feature is the extras that can be added such
as extra fruit and lunch box items. We
opt for both of these things to ensure we have enough to keep the kids happy. Eggs, spelt wraps, sauerkraut and other
goodies can also be added as desired.
This past week our large local and imported large
share was as follows:
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, baby salad mix,
daikon radish, broccoli, mini-cauliflower, beets, red pepper, apples, limes,
bok choi, cherry tomatoes, extra potatoes
Extra fruit: Pears,
cantaloupe, grapefruit
Lunch box: kiwi,
avocado, cucumber
This typically feeds our house of 3 adults and 2 children
for most of the week though I am still participating in the Matchbox Garden CSA
which rounds out our weekly needs.
Each week our share is delivered (for a minimal fee) in the
evening and the kids love unpacking and putting everything away. As a bonus there is an email that goes out
with a list of what’s in the box – fantastic for when you have items you are
unsure of! Along with the details is an
update on the farm and recipes that include items from the week’s shares.
I really enjoy the random foods we receive each week and how
it encourages creativity in the kitchen.
There are many foods I never would have tried - like bok choy - if I had
never received them! It is also great to
support a hardworking and local business.
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| A handful of other share items |
As an added bonus I started to follow Irene
Matys on social media, if you don’t you should!
Irene creates beautiful and tasty dishes using Plan B Organics bounty
and other delicious things. I find her
kitchen magic to be wonderfully inspiring! Irene shares recipes along the way so when share day comes I
am extra eager to open the box!
Shopping for produce is a breeze this way and I don’t have
to deal with grocery store madness ;) .
It also helps keep our food budget in check.
We love Plan B and
what they have to offer!
Detailed information can be found on Plan B Organics Website:
Plan B Organics Facebook Page:
Delightful recipes can be found on Irene Matys Website:
Irene's Instagram:
