Desert Roots Farm

I figure I will tell you a little bit about the organic produce co-op that I joined that sparked this adventure.  It is Desert Roots Farm in Queen Creek, Arizona, just southeast of Phoenix.

Before we moved to Phoenix, I had been introduced to the idea of joining an organic produce co-op by a neighbor of mine back in New Mexico, unfortunately we were already well into the "moving" process, and I could only enjoy some of her "share" vicariously.  Every now and then she would bring produce over that her family couldn't eat and we enjoyed it tremendously.

Once we moved to Phoenix I kept the idea at the back of my mind, but being that we lived in the middle of the desert, I simply wasn't sure if it were a possibility.  Through my brother-in-law's girlfriend, I discovered Desert Roots Farm.  This was exactly what I was looking for.

I have several reasons for wanting to join a local organic agricultural endeavor such as Desert Roots Farm.

• The food is organic and pesticide free.
• It is locally grown so I am supporting local business people.
• The produce is picked the day it is delivered to me, so it is as fresh as possible.
• Food that is picked at the peak of ripeness tastes best.
• Its nutritional value is also at its peak.
• There is greater variety in the produce because a farm is not limited by what they can grow based on how well it will ship long distances.
• I believe in soil conservation, and an organic farm will build up their soil rather than deplete it as many commercial endeavors do.
• Buying locally also decreases energy costs because the food is delivered locally.
• Buying locally provides much needed jobs for people in my community.

I'll be sharing a whole lot more about Desert Roots Farm in my blog.  My only relationship with them is I am a customer and a friend of one of its workers.  This is not an advertisement, but a testimonial about how every one of us can look more carefully at our food buying choices and see if we can make choices that will make a difference in our communities.

If you live in the Phoenix area, check out their website and learn more about their philosophies and see if you might want to participate in "eating locally".

If you live outside the Phoenix area, check out the website anyway to get ideas for your own community.

Kate

My "Share" of Organic Produce

I decided to make a change in our lives.

You know, when you're young, you believe that your health is always going to be with you. When I look at pictures of me in my youth, I can understand that mentality.  I was a very healthy young woman, I exercised as easily as breathing.  I avoided most bad food. I enjoyed the benefits of those activities.

However, as time goes by, you aren't quite as vigilant.

One chocolate milkshake, and you think it's no problem. One leads to two...because it tastes good.

I never ate french fries, potato chips, or onion rings...until I got married and my new husband wanted me to share in these wonderful gastronomic creations.

You guessed it, time goes by, weight begins to pile on, slowly.  Add a pregnancy or three to the mix and you begin to give yourself excuses for continuing to gain a little bit of weight.  Still more time goes by, and suddenly you are carrying enough weight to make you tired, grumpy, and wondering how in the world that healthy, young, vibrant girl turned into that tired and sickly looking woman in the mirror.

Before this insidious event, I'd always been one to be on the lookout for good food, nutritionally sound, and preferably organic in nature.  But, as with all families, life gets in the way, and all of a sudden you're not eating right, you're not feeling right, and it takes something to bang you over the head and say, "Hey, you idiot!  You've gotta change something in your life!"

For me, it was stepping on the bathroom scale.

Once you go organic, it's tough to go back!

We've had a wary relationship for the past number of years.  In my younger days, I never worried too much about my weight, but after having children, and then just that "getting older" phase, I discovered that it was no longer comfortable buttoning my jeans.  And when I DID get them buttoned there was a bit of a "muffin-top" going on.

So...what changed is that I decided to participate in an organic farm's co-op opportunity.  You purchase a seasonal "share" of organic produce and it is delivered to you once a week.  My brother-in-law's girlfriend works at the farm and we have been talking about her work (because I'm fascinated with gardening), and the concept of a weekly delivery of such good and nutritious produce.