Welcome and Info

First of all thank you for your interest!

I have compiled a list of questions regarding the Urban Family Coop and hopefully that will provide you with a little more insight into what we are trying to do.

The idea is that we will meet bring our goods, chit chat, and be able to bring some stuff home to use throughout the week.

-When will we begin exchanging products?
Late spring, early summer, or whenever our gardens begin producing.

-What kinds of items are we supposed to bring?
If you have a garden and would like to contribute from that, please do. Everyone loves fruits and veggies. If you are bringing from your garden, maybe whatever you have an excess of. Everyone loves growing tomatoes, so we may end up with a lot of those, but instead of us all growing tomatoes someone might want to bring some canned ones, or another person make fresh salsa to share.

You are not just limited to garden goods. If you like making soap, laundry detergents, jam, bread, cheese, paper, deserts, picking fresh eggs, etc. Bring something that you think the group would enjoy.

-Do I have to come and contribute every week?
I know every week seems like a lot, but you don not have to come every week. I want the availability of every week, but everyone does not have to come. Come when you can. If you do come and want to bring things home, you must bring things to share.

-Where and when will we meet?
Once the growing and producing season is in full swing I figure every Sunday afternoon/early evening and the location can change. Who ever is up for hosting that week will work well.

-Do I have to commit to one item to bring every time?
Nope! It may work out that one person always brings dill and carrots because that's what grows best, or one person doesn't have a garden so they make soap. But you do not have to commit to anything in particular.

-Will we just trade goods when we meet?
Possibly. Maybe we can all bring a dish and enjoy each other's company. Maybe you can discuss recipe ideas for the 5lbs of zuchinni you just sent everyone home with. Maybe we could can tomatoes together, etc.

-Are there any rules?
Not really rules, more guidelines...
-Please grow things organically.
-If you can't contribute as much as another that is fine, but let's make sure we don't take advantage of anyone.
-Please nothing store bought. It's great if Sam's had a sale on paper towels, but let's not make that a contribution.
-No soliciting! This means no Juice Plus, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Party Lite, etc....

-Why should I jump on board?
Why not!? Join to meet some new folks. Join because you want better food for your family. Join to try something new. Join for the environmental impact of using local goods and consuming less.

-I have some ideas on how this could work better....
Great! This is a new idea for us, so to make it work we all need to contribute ideas and opinions.

-How will we communicate with one another?
There is a facebook group to talk through, and also this blog. Once people join I can set people up to post on here if they would like (share recipes, local events, etc.) Once we get more involved I will put together a contact list for everyone to have at home.

-Who will be part of this group?
So far the only people asked to be a part of this group are ones that Declan and I know. That doesn't mean we are limited to only that though. If you want to invite folks that's fine, but I would encourage the invite of like minded folk. To make this work we all need to be on the same page as far as what we want for our families.


So I hope I have answered some questions. You can contact me via facebook or through here if you would like. I will try and keep everyone up to date on where this is all going.
Thanks!
-Ariel