It ain't no secret, guys. And gals.
Groceries are expensive.
We've been able to buffer the cost of groceries by making most all of our food from scratch. Now, I realize not every one has the time, patience, or desire to do this – and that's fine. Lucky for me, I enjoy doing it. Even if I didn't enjoy it, I'd still have to because there is no way we could bear the cost of prepackaged food.
Part of the reason we are able to afford to buy high-quality food is because:
a) We're willing to take the time and effort to research for local places and
b) We're willing to sacrifice convenience foods
Part of being able to afford high-quality food is making an effort to cut out the middle-man. Middle-man, consider yourself cut out of the equation. I've done this in a variety of ways, such as calling local farmers and ranchers to see if they will sell to me directly. For the most part, they are happy to. Because it usually means more money for them, it's a win-win.
When I saw a Craigslist ad for local peanuts and organic compost, I immediately called to schedule a pickup. The kids and I cruised in the mini-van to the farm where we were greeted by a few workers and engaged in small talk while we awaited the farmer. After greeting him with a handshake, we loaded back into the van to follow him out to the barn and garden.
I love barns. And I love gardens. Just for the record.
Though I had originally just planned on picking up some compost and peanuts, I was intrigued by what else he had growing. I asked if he would sell me some of the produce directly, to which he smiled. “That's exactly the kind of business I like to do”, he replied.
Sa-weeeeet.
Georgia and I tromped around the garden, dancing to keep warm in the brisk breeze, while Chip harvested us some broccoli, carrots, collards, and kale. Literally, the produce was pulled or chopped from the ground and went straight into my bag. No washing. No processing. No wax sprays. No preservatives.
“By the way”, he commented, “we also have a lot of citrus if you're interested.”
Chip, my friend. Umm, hello. Like, of course I'm interested! Don't you read my blog?! I live for this kind of stuff!
Another quick drive in the van to the back of the property, past the pecan harvesters in their tractors who honked and waved while we drove past, and we arrived at the citrus grove. Sweet, sweet citrus grove. How I love thee. Having not grown up in a climate that citrus could tolerate, it's been one of the biggest bonuses of living in the deep south. There is no comparing fresh citrus to store-bought. Its out of this world. Which is exactly why I ate about five satsumas before even getting any loaded into my basket. Whoops.
Chip happily harvested me fresh satsumas, grapefruit, and lemons. Right from the tree.
Though I don't have a scale to accurately calculate the exact cost per pound of produce, I can guarantee you that there is nooooo way I could have purchased this all from the grocery store for less. In fact, I just payed $3 for 2 large grapefruit a few weeks ago and for the entire bucket of fresh grapefruits from the farm I payed $4. Booya!
I left with a happy heart. Not only was I able to talk about gardening, soil, and cattle, and not only did I leave with a trunk full of fresh goodness, but he also offered to let me come and pick up produce each week. Eggs, too. And if I called him with what I'd like ahead of time, he would be happy to have it waiting at the office for me. Sweet music to my ears! I'll take this over gold!
All in all, I left with a giant bunch of collards, a giant bunch of kale, broccoli, carrots, lemons, grapefruit, satsumas, and fifteen pounds of raw peanuts. For $25. It doesn't get much fresher than that, does it? I also purchased a $15 large bag of organic compost so that I can plant a few pots of herbs and such, just for fun.
I'm not naive enough to think everyone who reads this will all of a sudden grow a deep desire to know their farmer or their food source, but I have to tell you, there is something so special about building those relationships. The desire and know-how that God has given man to grow and harvest food from His creation is just incredible. Watching that creation at work in the soil is so…grounding. It speaks to my soul.
It also makes me weep for my gardens back in Washington. But that is a tear for another day. For today is a day of joy!
There are creamed collards to be made, after all!
redheaded momma
Awesome New Year Blessing!
Teresa Getter Messick
No, $25 wouldn’t touch all that-even at Wally-World! Isn’t it cool how the Lord is providing for you guys–when just a few months ago you were discussing the tax mistake on the hub’s paycheck that was going to reduce it further? He is able and He is faithful! Enjoy your harvest!
Amanda Schulze
What a wonderful amount of FRESH food for $25. We are under a foot of snow and temps haven’t even reached the 20’s in a few days so it is great to see that there is still fresh food growing somewhere!
I am having troubles linking your new address to by blogger feed. Is this a problem many people are having or is it just computer challenged me???
Rebekah Jean
This is amazing! You have me dying to go drive to a farm and ask a farmer for some food. Right now! Happy cooking 🙂
Noël McNeil
That is awesome! I am looking for some farmers in my area to buy from. Lord willing, my hubby and I want to be the farmers offering the food in a few years. Lord willing!!!
Lyda
I LOVE this! I wish there were more farms nearby, but most of the local farms are on the big island and not Oahu. And I don’t have a car. I would love to head over to my closest farmer and buy directly from them though. Oh, here’s a question – so you found this farm in the paper. . . how would you recommend going about finding local farmers in a new area?
Shaye Elliott
One of the best ways I’ve found is Craigslist in the Farm & Garden section. Also, look into your local Weston Price Foundation Chapter…some of them have set up websites with sources for good food. It seems like there would be a lot of goodness in that tropical paradise!
Farmers wife
So excited for you! I love it when the freshness can be tasted! And to know that you got a wonderful deal makes it taste even better. Way to go, girl! Keep checking on craigslist, and be sure to ask these farmers you do make connections with about other types of farmers that they might know… like a beef farmer, someone who might have a half of pig to sell, or a farmer that might have a few cows to sell a bit of milk to you or cheese. Keep looking and talking!
Tammy
I’m so excited to find your blog! I live in Mobile so right now I’m searching Craigs List to find that farmer!
Shaye Elliott
Tammy – email me and I’ll forward his info!
Heidi
I hadn’t even thought of doing this…there isn’t a Weston Price chapter where I am, but I’ll be watching Craigslist. I already found some local eggs. 🙂
Lucy Henderly
I need to meet this Chip! Sounds awesome!
Guylaine
WOW! You are something else, really. I am so inspired by your words. Thank you for that.
Sara
Shaye, how far from Mobile is he? I work in west Mobile, so if he isn’t far, this might be worth looking into.
Shaye Elliott
He’s in Daphne!