What is a buying club?
A buying club is a co-operative effort where groups of people pool together to increase their purchasing power buying produce and other items in bulk. They also share the labor involved to keep the club running smoothly. In return they profit getting produce at just above wholesale cost.
What is the Flagler Organics?
The Flagler Organics was formed in the Summer of 2009 to bring consistently fresh, superior quality, certified Organic produce at reasonable prices to the Flagler County. This low-labor cooperative type buying club is an alternative to purchasing high priced organics.
How is this buying club different from other cooperative type buying clubs?
We are different because we offer a unique pre-paid weekly mixed variety share to our members at a very fair price. A mixed variety share is just that. The shares change according to market, season and availability. Everyone in the group gets an equal mixed share of what is ordered for that week. We buy as much as we can from local sources when the season permits to support the efforts of our local Florida farmers. We try to keep our buying within the United States as much as possible to support the efforts of our national organic farmers as well. All of our produce is exquisitely fresh. We take a strong stand towards global responsibility and are very selective in purchasing only items that come from sustainable farms that are socially responsible.
We are different because our groups really adhere to the co-operative effort, which means our members are encouraged to actually give back to the club by volunteering their time to help. Giving back to the club helps to keep costs low and quality always high! Members also get “out of the rut” by meeting other people that they may not normally ever meet in daily lives.
We are committed and passionate about making the Flagler Organics a top-notch co-operative effort and are always endeavoring to improve in the products we carry as well as our service to our members.
Who are the members of Flagler Organics?
Alton & Mirit Turley started Flagler Organics in the summer of 2009. We returned from Tucson where organic foods are not a gourmet item, but available everywhere at affordable prices. We care about our health and know that not eating processed foods, fewer or no pesticides and non genetically altered foods lead prevents many common illnesses today. Unfortunately, here in Flagler County we are unable to find fresh organic foods at decent prices.
Our members include anyone who is interested in eating healthier. Our members come from all walks of life. We have people who are eating this way for the first time, to people who have eaten mostly organics all of their lives. We have moms who are interested in their children’s health. We have people recovering from serious illnesses such as cancer who believe this is the best way for them to eat. You do not have to be a vegetarian, vegan or raw foodist to be a member, but we have those too! We are about having healthy, clean fresh foods from organic farmers, directly to your home.
How much does it cost?
There is a yearly membership fee of $15.00. We have 3 types of memberships. A typical full share basket costs $50.00 each pick up date, these are good for a large family or a vegetarian couple. Half share basket, which is good for a small family costs $30.00, you receive the much same variety as a full share basket but half the quantity. Finally, a single share basket for $20.00 which is good for a single person.
We are now offering an Organic Fruit Basket Membership for $35.00
Featuring a variety of 7 – 8 fruits weighing approximately 20-25 lbs. Just as in our half share and full share family baskets, we focus on purchasing seasonal and locally grown fruits. This basket has a nice variety of staple fruits such as bananas, apples and grapes as well as one or two tropical fruits.
How much of a price difference are you talking from local groceries and health food stores?
We have negotiated to purchase organics at wholesale prices, those prices are transferred to you. Please remember that organic produce are subject to market, availability and season, so the cost changes regularly. Basically our members are paying conventional food prices for organic food.
Why is Flagler Organics produce fresher and more sustainable than Publix, Target or Love’s Whole Food Store?
Traditional retailers order produce based on past history and projection. If their deliveries come in on Tuesday they try to still have produce available through Monday of the following week. If you purchase your food on Monday, your produce has been sitting on display stands or in storage for week at the store before it even gets to your home. Traditional retailers throw out a lot of food due to spoilage. They don’t know when or how much their customers are going to purchase. The cost of this waste gets transferred to their customers in higher organic food prices.
Flagler Organics is different. Our food gets distributed within hours of our produce delivery. We don’t waste any food or money because know exactly how much produce we need to buy because you’ve already purchased your share.
How do I join?
Fill out an application and make a check out with the appropriate fees. That’s it!
How often is the pick up?
Pick-ups are every week on Tuesday in Flagler County and Thursday in Ormond Beach.
How much produce do I actually receive?
Each full share member receives approximately 30 lbs of exquisitely fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. The amounts vary according to market, season and availability. You should receive approximately 8 different types of vegetables and 6 different types of fruit.
How will I know what’s in this week’s share?
Make sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter, there you will also receive an application via email. Then every week you will receive a list of the foods you will receive. You will also get helpful information about food storage, news about organics and sustainability and many other useful tips and recipes.
Where is the closest pick up?
The main pick up presently is located at Flagler Organics 1504 Old Moody Blvd Suite 4 Bunnell, FL. Flagler Organics is located across the street from the new Flagler County Buildings and under the Bunnell Water Tower, which we fondly call the “Tin Man”.
We have satellite locations in the “F” Section of Palm Coast, Indian Trails Middle School (Staff & Teachers Only) as well as deliveries to Plantation Bay. We have new locations coming on board each month.
Ormond Beach Club pick up is located at “That Yoga Place” on Trails Shopping Center, Ormond Beach
If you would like to know how you could host a satellite group in your area please email flaglerorganics@miritturley.com
How do I get my share?
You may pick up your share every week at your club location and day and time. At that time you would drop off your empty basket, pick up your share and pre-pay for the next week.
What if I can’t pick up my share on time?
These days, most people are over-worked and over-scheduled, so we are now offering a delivery service. Each week we will drop off your basket at your home or office for $15.00 per month. Let us know if you would like to take advantage of the delivery service.
How much time would I need to commit?
Most people find volunteering to be both rewarding and therapeutic. We ask that you put in 3-6 hours a month. Once a month you will be asked to help distribute the produce.
What happens if I am unavailable to help distribute produce… (I have a day job)?
Short of volunteering a family member or close friend to help you on distribution day, there are many other ways to help too. We ask that all of our members publicize our buying club, that means tell your friends and neighbors. Other ways to help is become , become the assistant distribution coordinator, an assistant organizer for our meetup group or help write articles for our newsletter. Be creative find ways to help out to make our club better.
What if I have volunteered but can’t work?
You must contact the distribution coordinator at least 24 hours before you are scheduled to distribute to make other arrangements. Special needs can always be accommodated.
What if I will be out of town on my scheduled delivery day?
You would need to find someone to pick up your produce share for you if you are unable to come pick up during regular pick up times. You can also ask for your share to be delivered to your home. If you will be away for more than one pick up date you will need to find someone to buy your share in your stead. Or, perhaps you might want to bless someone by giving your share as a gift. Either way, you will need to let us know of your plans. There are times when we may be able to help you with finding a sub for you while you are away.
What if I need extra produce?
At this time we are keeping our club as simple as possible. Extra produce (i.e. carrots for juicing and specialty items) can be made available in the future. When the club is able to handle the extra labor involved for special orders we will make that available. You will have to contact us with your request no later than the 2 business days prior to your next regular pick up date to have those extra items delivered along with your next regular share.
What if I need extra fruit?
Organic Fruit Add-On Basket ($19.50)
Features a variety of 4-5 “kid-friendly” organic fruits weighing approximately 10-12 lbs. A typical fruit add-on basket may contain:
- Bananas
- Apples
- Grapes
- Oranges
The organic fruit add-on basket allows you to add an extra selection of fruit to the full and half share memberships. You do not need to have additional deposits or fees to receive the organic fruit add-on basket, however we do ask that you order in advance.
Please note that the Add-On baskets can only be ordered in addition to member shares, and not by themselves.
What if I need extra salad vegetables?
Organic Salad Add-On Basket ($15.00)
Features a variety of 4-5 organic vegetables. A typical salad add-on basket may contain:
- Spring Salad Mix
- Cucumbers
- Sprouts
- Red Onion
The organic salad add-on basket allows you to add an extra selection of vegetables to the full and half share memberships. The salad add-on is designed to supplement your weekly share. You do not need to have additional deposits or fees to receive the organic salad add-on basket, however we do ask that you order in advance.
Please note that the Add-On baskets can only be ordered in addition to member shares, and not by themselves.
What if it’s too much produce for me?
You can easily go from a full share to half share or half share to single, just let us know at least three days in advance of the delivery. Additionally, we have created a share partner list join, our Flagler Organics meetup group to find others who want to split shares.
What other products are available?
We now feature baked goods from Deland Bakery. Deland Bakery now has a new line of organically grown wheat free lavash breads, crackers and granola. As a member you have an opportunity to order your bread in advance and receive it with your regular harvest.
Each month we are able to bring in organic bulk items such as nuts and fruits, as well as other non-perishable items. Visit our store for this months specials, ordering and minimum orders.
What if I need to leave the club?
We suggest that you try just three times before making your decision to leave. Please be considerate by giving us least two weeks notice.
