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 Flagler County. We have since expanded to include Volusia and St. John’s Counties. This low-labor 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 membership baskets of fresh organic produce to our members at a very fair price. The membership baskets 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 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 non-refundable membership fee of $20.00. Depending on the type of membership you purchase that’s how we determine your cost.
We have 7 types of memberships.
- A typical full share basket costs $60.00 each week, these are good for a large family or a vegetarian couple.
- Half share basket, which is good for a small family costs $36.00, you receive the much same variety as a full share basket but half the quantity.
- Finally, a single share basket for $25.00 which is good for a single person.
- We also offer an Organic Fruit Half Share Memberships for $38.50, Veggie Half Share Membership for $36.00 these same memberships can come in a single share for $25.00
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 the Supermarket or Health 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?
You may join via the website on our Membership page. This is the only time you can use your credit card. Please fill out the application that you will receive once you’ve paid. If you are not comfortable with paying on line, stop in when we are open and fill out an application and pay by check. We’d love to meet you. We’ll have your basket ready on the next available Harvest day. That’s it!
How often is the pick up or delivery?
Pick-ups are every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in Flagler County. St. Augustine deliveries are on Tuesday and New Smyrna/Edgewater on Thursdays. The Ormond Beach receives their baskets on Wednesday or Thursday. Home delivery is done on Tuesday through Thursday depending on your location.
How much produce do I actually receive?
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 10 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 new locations coming on board each month.
Ormond Beach Club pick up is located at Four Winds Acupuncture, Ormond Beach
Port Orange Club is in a private location. We only give out the address to active members.
New Smyrna/Edgewater is located at the Book Rack just across from the Edgewater Library
St. Augustine Club is in a private location, We only give out the address to active members.
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 $25.00 per month. Let us know if you would like to take advantage of the delivery service.
What can I do to volunteer?
There are many ways to volunteer. 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 and facebook pages. Be creative find ways to help out to make our club better.
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. Or, perhaps you might want to bless someone by giving your share as a gift. Many of our members decide to donate their basket to families who are in need. We work with several organizations who get the food directly to families. You can also place your basket on hold or switch to another day. This is done by sending us an email with specific dates on when you’ll be away and when you return. Whichever way you wish to handle this type of situation you will need to let us know of your plans at least 3 days in advance. Please remember all baskets are pre-paid so it is your responsibility to let us know what to do with your food. If you do not pick up your basket and we do not hear from you within a reasonable amount of time we will donate your basket to a needy family.
What if I need extra produce?
You can order add-on baskets any time or go to our online store and add produce or just about anything to your basket. Orders must be placed via the web store no less 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 ($21.50)
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 any membership basket. The fruit add-on is designed to supplement your weekly share and is the next best value to a membership basket .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. The add-on basket usually have fruit that are not in the membership basket that harvest day.
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 vegetables?
Organic Salad Add-On Basket ($17.00)
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 any membership basket as needed. The salad add-on is designed to supplement your weekly share and is the next best value to a membership basket . 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. The add-on basket usually have salad items that are not in the membership basket that harvest day.
Please note that the Add-On baskets can only be ordered in addition to member shares, and not by themselves.
Organic Vegetable Add-On Basket ($19.00)
Features a variety of 4-5 organic vegetables. A typical vegetable add-on basket may contain:
- Green Kale
- Sweet Potatoes
- Squash
- Tomatoes
The organic vegetable add-on basket allows you to add an extra selection of vegetables any membership basket as needed. The vegetable add-on is designed to supplement your weekly share and is the next best value to a membership basket. The add-on basket usually have vegetables that are not in the membership basket that harvest day.You do not need to have additional deposits or fees to receive the organic vegetable 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.
I’m finding that I want to get more food later in the week, can I shop on another day?
Flagler Organics members are welcome to stop in for any of their organic needs on any day we are open. Our produce comes in every day. We prepare your basket on your chosen Harvest day, but you are welcome to stop in on any Harvest day at any location to buy extras. Members are also invited to stop in on Fridays and Saturdays for extra shopping needs.
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 harvest day. 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 have local organic eggs. We carry bulk nuts, seeds, granola, herbs, spices, fresh roasted coffee, frozen treats, dairy products and more. We are constantly adding to our selection. Flagler Organics only does organic, we do not do natural, almost organic, wanna be organic, know someone who is organic. We make sure that there is no confusion, WE ONLY DO ORGANIC. If its out there in organic and our members want it, we make every effort to get it.
We have an extensive line of organic Gluten-free products as well as other special diets. Visit our store for to see what we have available as well as this months specials.
Do you have a member’s rewards program?
Yes we do, our members love sharing their new way of getting organics with everyone. So we’ve created a program to reward them. For every 5 active members that you refer you will receive $5.00 off your basket every week. You can read more about the program at the Rewards page.
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 three days notice.
I love eating organic food but I prefer to shop for items separately, is there a membership for me?
We understand that membership is not for everyone. We are now open to the Public on Fridays from 10am – 4pm and Saturdays from 9 – 2 pm at our Bunnell location, 1504 Old Moody Blvd. You may purchase anything in the store at non-member prices which are still be below retail and farmer market prices but not at the deeply discounted members’ prices.