by Linda Bower
“The Organic Buying Club of South Florida currently contributes to the health of families throughout the South Florida area by making available to them fresh, superior quality, and certified organic produce at reasonable prices.” That’s the quote right off of the flyer that Jayne Rosenbaum uses to promote the business that she began three and a half years ago. There’s more: “Mrs. Rosenbaum, a devoted wife and mother of two active children, was frustrated with the high prices and inconsistent quality of organic produce available in South Florida.” Sound familiar? Haven’t we all experienced high prices and inconsistent quality when trying to find fresh, organic produce?
In my opinion, Ms. Rosenbaum is filling a niche and the bellies of happy families everywhere utilizing the convenience and the quality these coops offer. I should know. I joined a group two weeks ago because I thought it would be fun and perfect for the holiday season. Since then I have had the pleasure of experiencing a delightful assortment of the “25 to 35 lbs. of exquisitely fresh, certified organic fruits and vegetables” that, thus far, two shipments have afforded me. Fortunately, I was able to find a coop just two miles from my home which Dr. Maria Rodriguez of Hands of Life Chiropractic started. The system offers a unique pre-paid bi-weekly mixed variety share with an emphasis on leafy greens. All of the produce is certified through QAI the largest international certifier in the world. Jayne, and her husband Howard, also “take a strong stand towards global responsibility and are very selective in purchasing only items that come from sustainable farms that are socially responsible.”
The coop consists of one host and fourteen additional members. There is a one-time registration fee of $20 which includes a canvas bag to use for pickups. Each approximately 30 lb. share is delivered every two weeks and costs $43, cash only in the exact amount. The host is compensated with a free share and a $30 discount can be offered for “helpers”. My first shipment contained: oranges, bananas, plums, grapes, carrots, collard greens, leafy green lettuce, tomatoes, cauliflower, green peppers, mushrooms, and leeks. Last week the share included: apples, bananas, plums, kale, baby herb salad, carrots, eggplant, yellow squash, mini sweet peppers, and purple onions. For an added fee, additional items are also available such as: raisins, dates, coconut, walnuts, sprouts, coffee, olive oil, bread, green drinks, salt, cocoa powder, soaps and beauty creams. Although they also offer some meats and cheeses, a host is more than welcome to maintain a strictly-vegan group.
For more information, they have two websites:
organicbuyingclubsofla.com or jayroseorganics.com or you can call (305)868-2136.