Bountiful Baskets | Farm fresh produce in Scottsdale

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Spring is here and I have grilling on the brain.  Maybe that’s because spring in Arizona feels like summer everywhere else.  The weather is perfect, and it’s not yet too hot to enjoy a backyard barbecue.  My favorite things to throw on the grill are fresh fruits vegetables.  With a grilling basket or a piece of foil, I can get tender-crisp results every time. 
Did you know that there is a way to get fresh fruits and vegetables at a significantly discounted price right here in Scottsdale and the surrounding area?  Bountiful Baskets is a volunteer-run co-op that provides members with produce at wholesale prices.  You don’t have to commit to a long-term membership, in fact you decide each week whether you want to participate or not.  You can choose to buy conventional ($15) or organic ($25) produce with different add-on additions each week.  Add-ons are things like fresh-baked sandwich bread for $2 a loaf, fresh herb packs, Mexican or Italian packs, or even cases of heirloom tomatoes. 
Our family loves Bountiful Baskets for many reasons:
1. We get a significant discount on produce (usually at least $30 worth).
2. Having more fruits and vegetables in the house means we eat more fruits and vegetables.
3. We get to try new and interesting produce that we may have never picked up at the grocery store.
4. Our kids get excited to see what will be in the basket each week which leads to more curiosity and healthier food choices.
5. Volunteering is optional but so much fun and a great workout! 
So what do we get in a typical week?  Here is an example of an organic basket: 

 and an example of a conventional basket:

 

We have been participating in Bountiful Baskets for over a year now, and I can’t imagine getting my produce any other way.  To learn more and to find a location in your area, visit bountifulbaskets.org and check out Scottsdale Moms Blog archives to SEE what a pick up location looks like.

 

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Alysa Bajenaru is a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, crafter, wife, mom and proud wearer of onion-goggles.  She recently moved up from Tucson and is not excited about the impending summer heat.  Alysa blogs at InspiredRD.com and is the dietitian for the Mamavation campaign and the George Foreman Grill Knock out the Fat Challenge.  She is passionate about helping families, and especially moms, learn how to live healthy active lives.  Find easy recipes, cooking tips, fitness challenges and more at InspiredRD.com.