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 and there by share in the savings and labor involved to keep the club running smoothly.

What is the organic produce buying club of South Florida?

The Organic Produce Buying Club of South Florida was formed in the Summer of 2003 to bring consistently fresh, superior quality, certified Organic produce at reasonable prices to the South Florida area. This low-labor cooperative type buying club is an alternative to the more traditional buying methods available that really works for today's busy South Florida families. Owner, Jayne Rosenbaum, fashioning her club after the highly successful "Purple Dragon Co-Op" concept in the North East designed by Janit London, song-writer and entrepreneur extraordinaire, is filling more than a niche in sunny South Florida.

How is this buying club different from other cooperative type buying clubs?

We are different because we offer a unique pre-paid bi-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 focus on leafy greens and 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 our produce is certified through QAI the largest International certifier in the world and 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. Members that help out receive a discount off their next produce share in appreciation. This is what makes our club unique and helps to keep costs low and quality always high! This also allows us to get "out of the box" by meeting other people that we may not normally ever meet in our daily lives.

We are committed and passionate about making the Organic Produce Buying Club of South Florida 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.

How much does it cost?

A typical mixed variety share would cost each member $49.00 each pick up date. There is a one-time non-refundable start-up fee of $20.00. There are no other fees active at this time.

How do I join?

Go to the contact page and fill out the information requested there and someone will contact you. If a group has an opening in your area you can plug in there or you will be placed on a wait list if there is no immediate opening convenient for you.

How often is the pick up?

Pick-ups are every other Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday - 2 times per month on average.

How much produce do I actually receive?

Each member receives somewhere between 25-35 lbs of exquisitely fresh, certified organic fruits and vegetables. The amounts vary according to market, season and availability and the shares are always very fair: 1-2 of the leafy greens, 2 1/2lbs of apples, potatoes, etc. A typical listing may be viewed on the Buying Club Page.

Where is the closest pick up?

The main pick up presently is located in Bay Harbor Islands with satellite groups being formed daily all over South Florida. If there is not a group active in your area and you would like to know how you could host a satellite group in your area please check off the box marked hosting Information on the Contact page and someone will contact you.

How do I get my share?

You may pick up your share every other week between 3:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (days and times can vary between groups). We ask that you please wait until noon before calling your host. At that time you would drop off your empty totes, pick up your share, sign-in on the sign in sheet provided and pre pay for the next time.

How much time would I need to commit to work?

Helping is optional, but most people find it to be both rewarding and therapeutic. In addition, members who help save between $10 and $30 off their next pre-pay.

What if I have volunteered but can't work?

You must contact your group host at least 24 hours before you are scheduled 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. 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 your host 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?

Extra produce (i.e. carrots for juicing and specialty items) are always available. Just contact your host 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?

We have available extra fruit shares at an additional charge. Five people minimum needed per group to participate.

What if it's too much produce for me?

If you can find someone to split your share with you that would be ideal. However, we will do our best to help you find a partner to share with if necessary.

What other products are available?

We are constantly seeking new avenues to get superior quality organic and non-toxic products at fair prices for our members. Please go to the Specialty Items section to see what we have for you at present.

What if I don't like it?

We suggest that you try just three times before making your decision and that you would be considerate to your host by giving them at least two weeks notice. You are free to rejoin at a later date if there is an opening. You may also elect to be put on a sub list if you prefer by notifying your host.