Where Do We Get Our Vegetables and Fruit while RVing

 Never have I been so grateful for BOUNTIFUL BASKETS .

For all those folks who have no idea what Bountiful Baskets are and what in the world does it have to do with RVers? Great question. In a nutshell it's produce purchased by a group of people (and the more people who participate the more goodies we get in our baskets) in big quantities and divided up. 50% Fruit and 50% Vegetables. We never know what we are going to get (no you cannot pick and choose - but we've seen people offer up their "don't likes" to others or people will trade off).  

As RV folk who have to be careful with budgets, this is an excellent way to do so. It's not in all areas unfortunately. So we do get excited when we are in an area that offers it. It's saved us a ton of time, money and it is a great way to meet others of that area. 

This week's Bountiful Basket pick up!

TIPS: IF you show up at volunteer time, you'll get to pick one item as a thank you for helping. It's not much but when you and your family do, it does make a difference. #FoodForThought  

The Bountiful Basket site is pretty cool - you can see what states offer it and what towns host it. The more we support the better the deal is. Just keep in mind, the Spring season tends to lack a bit but once that growing season hits, the boxes expand. You still save money and time. For instance, the Kamas Utah area, we just pull up at the designated time and the box is ready and off we go. The more we stay out of the store the more money and food we save. I don't like wasting food.

TIPS. I take all the vegetables and fruit left over on Saturdays and then I go to town on cooking them up and either serving for that day for lunch and or dinners, and freeze the rest for meals later in the week. WIN WIN and NO food wastage. 

Today's Lunch with the vegetables, I wasn't able to
 use during the week...

And we make homemade salad dressing
(another money saver for us)

This one is our FAST FAVORITE Lemon Honey
with a twist dressing.

Recipe (Disclaimer, there are many like this and this is how we personally make it)

1/2 Fresh Lemon Juice (I'll use lemon bottle if I don't have Fresh)

1/2 Olive Oil 

Crushed Garlic (depends on how much you like garlic)

2 Tsp Honey (you can use maple)

2 Tsp Mustard

2 Tsp Maille Whole Grain Old Style Mustard (gosh I love this stuff)

1-2 Tsp of Apple Vinegar

2 tsp of any spice (we go with Rosemary or Oregano

1/4 Cup of Hemp Seed (I use a 1/2 cup)

You should definitely look into doing Bountiful Baskets. BUT here is the most important awesome part of Bountiful Baskets, you can order and don't show up. Wait, WHAT? When baskets get ordered and no one shows up, they donate the basket to the local Fire Department. So this is a great way to give back. This is also a great way to keep the program going. If any host falls below a certain number, they'll get shut down. And this is such an important program for those that are trying to get quality food for less. They also have sides you can order and that always changes (the holiday packs saved our butts a time or two). 

Do you do Bountiful Baskets? Or what other food programs do you do or recommend. 

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