Coastal Reflections

Finally got a co-op somewhat near us

... and the prices are not what I expected!  I was under the delusion that a co-op should be cheaper, not more expensive!  I've been looking through the list of what's available this week and here's what I'm finding...........

~organic gala apples 79¢ each (I can get a 5lb. bag at Sam's cheaper)

~organic broccoli $2.29 each (I can get Earthbound Farms broccoli 2/$4 at a local grocery store plus I have coupons for $1 off the purchase of 2)

~1lb. organic strawberries $6.33 ($2.99 at the health food store)

~organic romaine $2.66 each ($1.99 at the health food store)

~organic pineapple $5.81 each ($3.99 at the health food store)

~organic pears $2.60/lb. ($1.99/lb. at the health food store)

~ organic naval oranges $1.31 each (99¢/lb. at the health food store)

~sea salt $2.50 for 1/4 pound (69¢/lb. at the health food store)

Geez!  Not only are the prices higher but you then figure in the extra money I'd have to spend in gas to drive to pick the items up and it's really not worth it.  The co-op pickup location is approximately 26 miles from my home.  The health food store is only about 13 miles away plus the grocery store and Sam's are in the same general area.

The co-op also does not carry any items like flour, wheat berries, baking powder, etc. - just fruits and vegetables.  What a huge disappointment.

Well, what did you expect?

12:00, 2006-May-23 .. Posted by spinninggrandma

These stores are often planned for the Yuppies with money who want to feel good about being "green" ... us little guys who need to save money as well as be organic or whatever can't afford these stores. Yes, a disappointment! Someday these people will drop the prices down to affordable. Sorry you were dissapointed.

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01:53, 2006-May-23 .. Posted by momof2

In reply to the "Well, what did you expect?"...... I honestly did expect lower prices. This is a co-op, not a store. You place your order each week and then go pick it up on a certain day. You also have to put in a bit of time now and then sorting and preparing the orders for pickup.

My vision of a health food store more closely matches your description of a place for "yuppies with money who want to feel good about being 'green'". It's just the opposite here though. The main health food store here has great sales and has been a huge blessing in our organic journey.

I read online all the time about people being members of co-ops and how fabulous they are and I was stunned at how this one does not live up to that image.