Sustainable Saturday - Ohio Produce Auctions


"Produce Auctions offer a unique view of the production capabilities of some of our agricultural communities. They are generally associated with Amish and Mennonite communities, and focus on bulk purchasing for commercial buyers in a true auction style. Most however, have associated retail and small lots opportunities, and also offer a chance for the family buyer to obtain quantities in bulk for canning or re-selling or gifting to your neighbors."  - Ohio Food Shed


Up until a few weeks ago I had never heard of a produce auction.  While online, I came across a blog that talked about buying produce at an auction and getting tomatoes for as little as $0.10 / pound.  Then, a week or two later I was discussing with someone how they had been to a produce auction and had purchased 80 dozen ears of corn for preserving, both canning and freezing, for the winter months.

A little online research and I found out that in Ohio there are several produce auctions that take place around the State. On Our Ohio website you can type Auction into the search menu and it will show you all the auctions that take place around the state. Some have websites of their own and some just have the information of when they take place with a contact phone number and email.

After reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle I set a goal of preserving fresh produce for use during the colder months.  Since my garden produces basically enough for us to eat through the growing season, but not really enough to preserve, purchasing produce from an auction in bulk allows me to preserve more for the coming months.

We went to the Owl Creek Produce Auction in Morrow County:

Owl Creek Produce Auction
Kelly Brown
5885 Morrow Co. Rd. 22
Fredericktown, OH 43019
(740) 627-1660
Email: owlcreekauction@yahoo.com

Year round on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. Also the last Wednesday in April through second Wed. in Oct. beginning at 10 a.m. In addition first Monday in June through first Mondy in Oct. beginning at 11 a.m.

Other:
Baked Goods, Honey, Cider, Jams & Jellies, Eggs, Maple Syrup

Fruits and Vegetables:
Pumpkins, Cucumbers, Potatoes, Cherries, Plums, Peppers, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Peas, Carrots, Pears, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Peaches, Cabbage, Turnips, Onions, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Melons, Blueberries, Sweet Corn, Lettuce, Black Raspberries, Strawberries, Herbs, Blackberries, Squash, Greens, Beets, Rhubarb, Grapes, Beans, Red Raspberries, Asparagus, Radishes, Eggplant, Apples

Plants:
Annuals, Perennials, Bedding Plants, Shrubs (container), Trees (balled & burlap), Trees (container), vegetable plants.


Pictured above is what we purchased.  All total we spent just under $50.  The breakdown of what we purchased is as follows:

3 quarts of potatoes @ $1.40 each = $4.20
4 dozen ears of corn @ $2.00 each = $8.00
10 lb. tomatoes @ $5 each x 2 = $10.00
Peppers @ $7 each x 2 = $14.00
Mums @ $2.90 each x 4 = $11.60

What did we do with all this produce?  We blanched corn and froze.  We made tomato sauce and canned and froze.  We cut up peppers and froze them. 


 
In future DIY posts on Saving Family Green will describe how to blanch and freeze corn and making tomato sauce including the recipes.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

DIY: Homemade Pesto

Back in the Spring we purchased several basil plants with the intention of both using the fresh herbs this summer and for making pesto for the remainder of the year.

We started by picking two of the basil plants which we actually had to pull out because we planted them adjacent to the tomato plants and there just wasn't enough room in our garden for both come mid-summer.


We washed the basil and laid it on a towel to dry.


Then we placed the basil in the blender (because I don't have a food processor . . . well I actually do my mother-in-law has it at her house in NY).


We used the Joy of Cooking recipe minus the pine nuts because I didn't have any on hand.  I think the pesto tastes fine without them and there is another recipe in this cook book for red pesto sacue which does not call for pine nuts.

Pesto Sauce

2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Process to a rough paste in a food processor.

With the machine running slowly, add 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil.  If sauce seems thick, add olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.


The finished product!  We purchased Pesto Storage Cubes from Gardener's Supply to store the pesto in the freezer in family portion sizes.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)


These prices are valid from August 24 thru August 30.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


One Day Deals!   

Did you know tomorrow (8/24) is National Peach Pie Day? Come get your mini peach pie for just $0.99!!! Where can you get wholesome peach goodness for under a dollar?!?!?! Tomorrow only! Celebrate National Peach Pie Day!!!
Friday's One Day Deal, August 26, Vita Rocks! Buy one Box Get One Free! Two Great Flavors, Cherry Blast and Lemon Burst! $9.99 each, and one day only!
This Week's Hot Deals!

FROM OUR BUTCHER 85% Lean Ground Beef
We grind rich, flavorful cuts daily. From cattle raised on a 100% vegetarian diet with no antibiotics or added hormones.
$3.99 lb
Reg. $4.99 lb

NEW JERSEY/PENNSYLVANIA Organic Grape Tomatoes
No slicing necessary! Bite-sized and sweet, these tomatoes are perfect for salads, pastas, sauces, snacking and more. (1 pint)
2 for $4
Reg. $3.99 ea

READY-TO-COOK Salmon Burgers
We use fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best tasting burgers ever. Available in variety of great flavors. Try them all!
$5.99 lb
Reg. $8.99 lb

STONYFIELD Organic Fat-Free Yogurt
Priced for stocking up. Rich, creamy and deliciously fat free and preservative free. In select flavors.
(6 oz)
10 for $5
Reg. 99¢ ea
$1/5 Manuf. Coupon available here

CALIFORNIA Organic Cantaloupes
2 for $5
Reg. $3.99 ea

FROM OUR BUTCHER Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings
Air-chilled for best flavor and texture.
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

CANADA Blueberries
(6 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.99 ea

KOCH’S Peppered Turkey Breast
Sliced to order in our deli.
$7.49 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

NATURE’S RANCHER Meat & Poultry Marinades
In select flavors. (8 oz)
$2.49 ea
Reg. $3.49 ea

COLOMBIA Whole Trade™ Celebration Bouquet
$10 ea
Reg. $16.99 ea

ANNIE’S HOMEGROWN Natural Mac & Cheese
In select varieties. (6 oz)
3 for $4
Reg. $1.99 ea

EVOL. Premium Burritos
(7 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.69 ea

ALLEGRO Café Blend
Available in Whole Bean or Ground.
(12 oz)
$8.99 ea
Reg. $12.99 ea

AMAZING GRASS Kidz SuperFood
Delicious, nutritious fruit and veggie powder for kids. In select flavors.
(6.5 oz)
$19.99 ea
Reg. $24.99 ea

EO Foaming Hand Soap
Available in Lavender, Grapefruit or Coconut.
(8.5 oz)
$6.99 ea
Reg. $8.99 ea

GREENSHIELD ORGANIC Laundry Detergent
(60 fl oz)
$7.99 ea
Reg. $12.99 ea

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.

Local Green Events - Central Ohio Food Forum: School Food



Do you know what is in your child's cafeteria? Care to share and learn a little bit about how you can influence those choices? Come to the next Central Ohio Food Forum on August 15th. 


August 15th from 5:30- 8:00 pm at Wild Goose Creative!
2491 Summit Street 
Columbus, OH 43202

5:30 - 6:30: Mingle & Eat
6:30 - 8:00: Conversation

We will be having a special culinary treat this time! Milk from Snowville Creamery and cookies from Sassafras Bakery!  Come enjoy some wonderful conversation about school food and enjoy your favorite after school snack!


This event is FREE to attend, however they ask that you RSVP here.
 

Sustainable Saturday - Book Review: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle


Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life
Barbara Kingsolver, with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life is about one year of food life for a family living on a farm in Appalachia.  The book begins with the family’s permanent relocation from their home of many years in Arizona to their summer farm in Virginia.  Throughout this memoir documenting Barbara, Steven, Camille and Lily’s year of local eating, there are so many different topics discussed in detail from current agriculture practices in the United States to the amount of Fossil Fuel that we use as a Country to transport food across the world to the disturbing truth (at least for me) that most turkey’s raised in the United States are incapable of reproducing naturally. 

As with many books I review on Saving Family Green, there are many well written book reviews available on the Internet and in the case of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle instead of giving a full review of the book I am going to share the thoughts that I had after reading this book.  

This book has made me think more in depth about the food choices that we make at our own home.  We grow a garden, buy locally from a Farmer’s Market and try to make and bake as much from scratch as possible.  But, is it enough?  I find myself wanting to remake my pantry, The Pantry Project, if you will and revamp the way in which I think about food, purchase food and grow food.  Earlier in the season I read The Edible Front Yard and The Backyard Homestead which both move towards this idea of self sustaining a family on the land you have.  

At times I felt discouraged while reading this book especially in sections where food production in this country are described (i.e. Turkeys in the United States are incapable of mating on their own.)  But, as I continued reading I was given hope.  The idea of eating foods when they are in season, canning and freezing for the future months can all be accomplished by both growing our own food and supplementing the quantities we are currently unable to grow with purchases from local farmers.  

So my new quest is how to do this.  If I wanted to plan ahead for food for my family for the next 9-12 months let’s say, what all would I need to buy now from local vendors to get us through the fall and winter months until we can plant our spring garden in 2012?

I have several goals for the coming year:
  1. Grow, Purchase and Eat as much locally grown food as possible.  (Currently we buy vegetables in season from our local Farmer’s Market, purchase meat from a local vendor and grow a garden in our Back Yard.)
  2. Preserve vegetables from our current Back Yard garden.
  3. Preserve fruits and vegetables from our local Farmer’s Market.
  4. Incorporate edible plants or possibly even a garden into our Front Yard landscaping.
Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

Celebrate National Can-It-Forward Day August 13, 2011


Celebrate National Can-It-Forward Day: August 13, 2011

Gather your family and friends to celebrate the bounty of summer through home canning with Canning Across America and Jarden Home Brands, makers of iconic Ball® brand home canning products.

On August 13, join millions of food lovers curious about canning to learn the ease of preserving fresh food as part of National Can-It-Forward Day.

Click here for videos from Canning Across America to help.

Click here for the National Can-It-Forward Day schedule of events.


Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.

DIY: Strawberry Freezer Jam

In July we ran out of homemade strawberry jam.  We had exhausted our supply of freezer jam we made from strawberries we picked from a local farm and jam my Aunt had made.  I purchased some strawberry jam from the grocery store, but it just wasn't the same.  We were lucky this past Saturday that one of the vendors at our local Farmer's Market had strawberries!  We used Ball Instant Fruit Pectin, Organic Turbinado and fresh local strawberries.



First, we cleaned and cut the strawberries.


Next, we placed the strawberries in the blender.


Then, we stirred together the pectin, sugar and strawberry puree.


The finished product!

Total cost:  We spent $20 for the entire container of strawberries (4 quarts), however we probably only used half the berries to make the jam, so probably $10-12 dollars worth.  The Ball Freezer containers were reused from last year, so $0 and the Ball Instant Fruit Pectin I found on Clearance at KMart for $0.90.  To purchase 6 (8 oz) jars of jam at our local Farmer's Market would have cost $4-5 each.

This is a very economical way to make jam, you will know exactly what is in it and it tastes great!

 

the whole deal coupons - NEW! August 2011

Whole Deal Coupons

If you like to shop at Whole Foods Market® you definitely need to check out the whole deal for recipes and money saving coupons.

Whole Foods has began offering a lot more printable coupons on their website.  They are also featuring Sure Deals and Three Under $3 which are everyday values on quality products.

Depending on your local store policy, some stores will allow you to use one Whole Food coupons + one Manufacturer Coupon per item.  The corresponding manufacturer's coupons are listed below in addition to the Whole Foods coupon.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management. 


$1.00 off any ONE (1) 8-oz bottle 365 Everyday Value® Organic Dressing


2 for $1.00 any TWO (2) 6-oz cups 365 Everyday Value® Organic Nonfat Yogurt


$1.00 off any ONE (1) 15-oz tub 365 Everyday Value® Ricotta Cheese: Part Skim or Whole Milk


$1.00 off any ONE (1) package of Azalea Feminine Care: pads, pantiliners or tampons


$1.00 off any ONE (1) 2-oz bottle 365 Everyday Value® Essential Oil


$1.00 off any ONE (1) 8-oz package The Original Brat Hans Organic Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Strips


$1.00 off when you buy any ONE (1) Back To Nature Cookies AND any ONE (1) Back to Nature Crackers


$1.00 off any ONE (1) 6-pack Zbar or Zfruit Rope


$1.00 off any ONE (1) box (5 two-bar pouches) CLIF CRUNCH


$1.00 off any ONE (1) Earth Balance Creamy or Crunchy Peanut Butter or Creamy Almond Butter


$5.00 off ONE (1) Garden of Life Vitamin Code 120 ct. or 240 ct. (Excludes Vitamin Code Liquid, Vitamin Code Kids or Single Nutrient Formulas)


$5.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Life RAW Meal or RAW Protein Powder


$1.00 off any ONE (1) Cascadian Farms Organic Cereal or box of Granola Bars


$1.00 off any TWO (2) 64-oz bottles Organic Honest Tea or Honest Kids (mix n' match)


$3.00 off any ONE (1) Kiss My Face 16-oz or 32-oz Natural Moisturizer


50¢ off any ONE (1) 4-pack Lifeway Organic Probugs


$1.00 off any ONE (1) MaraNatha Nut Butter


$1.50 off any TWO (2) EnviroKidz Organic Gluten-Free Cereals or Crispy Rice Bars (mix n' match)


$1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature's Path Organic Toaster Pastries or Granola Bars (mix n' match)


$1.00 off any ONE (1) 16-oz Organic Valley Original Half & Half, Hazelnut Half & Half or French Vanilla Half & Half


$1.25 off any ONE (1) Pacific Natural Foods 32-oz Organic Almond Non-Dairy Beverage


$1.00 off any ONE (1) multipack Stonyfield YoKids Cups or YoKids Squeezers Organic Lowfat Yogurt


$1.00 off any ONE (1) Udi's Gluten-Free or Artisan Granola


$1.25 off any ONE (1) Nasoya Product


$1.00 off any ONE (1) Organic Valley 8-oz Cheese


50¢ off any ONE (1) Vita Coco 1 Liter


$2.00 off any ONE (1) Kyolic, Kyo-Green, Kyo-Dophilus or Moducare Product


$1.00 off any ONE (1) Organic Valley Salted or Unsalted 1-lb Butter


50¢ off any ONE (1) Lifeway BioKefir 4-pack

 

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)



These prices are valid from August 3 thru August 9.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

UPDATE:  Whole Foods (Dublin) is no longer accepting stacked coupons due to a change in store management.

One Day Deals!  

6" Strawberry & Cream Cake, Friday, August 5, One Day Deal! $9.99 each, regularly $17.99!!! 

This Week's Hot Deals!

EASTERN USA Yellow Peaches
Bursting with sweet summer flavor. Slice in half and grill for a fabulous dessert, or just eat as is.
99¢ lb
Reg. $1.69 lb

OREGON/WASHINGTON Organic Blueberries
Fresh and ready for salads, sauces, ice cream, quick breads and more, or freeze some for later in the year.
(1 pint)
$3.99 ea
Reg. $4.99 ea

CALIFORNIA Organic Seedless Red Grapes
$2.99 lb
Reg. $3.99 lb

USA Sweet White or Bi-Color Corn
6 for $2
Reg. 5 for $2

WILD-CAUGHT Turbot Fillet
This flatfish cooks up moist and firm with a mild, sweet flavor. Great broiled with lemon and garlic. Previously frozen.
$10.99 lb
Reg. $12.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER 93% Lean Ground Beef
Ground fresh daily for the juiciest burgers. From cattle raised on a vegetarian diet. No added hormones; no antibiotics ever.
$3.99 lb
Reg. $5.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Boneless Beef Sirloin Steaks
$7.99 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

FROM OUR BUTCHER Buffalo-Style Chicken Wings
Air chilled for best flavor and texture.
$2.49 lb
Reg. $3.49 lb

FROM OUR CHEESEMONGERS Seaside Cheddar
Great on a grilled burger!
$7.99 lb
Reg. $11.99 lb

ZICO Coconut Water
In select varieties.
( 11 fl oz)
2 for $3
Reg. $2.19 ea

STONYFIELD FARM Organic Yogurt Multipacks
In select varieties.
(8 pack, 2 oz – 6 pack, 4 oz)
2 for $5
Reg. $3.39 ea
$1/1 any ONE (1) multipack Stonyfield YoKids Cups or YoKids Squeezers Organic Lowfat Yogurt available here
$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

IMAGINE FOODS Frozen Novelties
(3.7 oz)
5 for $5
Reg. $1.49 ea

KOCH Oven-Roasted Deli Turkey
Sliced to order.
$7.49 lb
Reg. $9.99 lb

KISS MY FACE Lotions
In select varieties.
(16 oz)
$9.99 ea
Reg. $11.99 ea
$3/1 any ONE (1) Kiss My Face 16-oz or 32-oz Natural Moisturizer available here

GAIA HERBS Holy Basil
(60 caps)
$19.99 ea
Reg. $29.99 ea

BACK TO NATURE Nut Blends
In select varieties.(10 – 10.5 oz)
$5.99 ea
Reg. $6.99 ea

These Hot Deals! are local to Whole Foods Market - Ohio locations.

Check out even more Whole Foods Market deals by visiting Your Green Helper.


Sustainable Saturday - 5 Tips for Back-to-School (The Eco-Friendly Version)

Every year beginning in what seems like early July, Retail Stores begin advertising Back-to-School sales.  The prices are usually low for certain items at certain stores and can be very enticing. As the last few weeks of August are approaching, the reality of Back-to-School is here.

In the event you have not yet started or even completed, here are some Tips on making the most of your Back-to-School adventure.

5 Tips for Back-to-School (The Eco-Friendly Version) 


1.  Take an inventory of the items from the previous school year.  Sort items into reuse (backpacks, lunch sacks, crayons, etc.) or recycle (items like papers, plastic containers, cardboard based items, etc.)

If you are wondering what to do with some of these items that can be reused or recycled, check out Recyclebank:  Supply Chain 101: Reusing and Repurposing a Year of School Supplies.

2.  Take a closer look at the ingredients, packaging and scents that any new school supplies may contain.  For example common crayons often contain paraffin wax, which is made from crude oil.  Look for alternatives like soy and beeswax.  Be wary of plastic-encased crayons or scented markers -- scents encourage kids to sniff them, and the chemicals used in the fragrances are not listed on the label.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a list of great tips available here.  You can download their pdf EWG’s Green Back-to-School Guide for K-12 here.  Many of these items are available in select stores (Whole Foods) and Amazon.com - Eco-Friendly School Supplies.

3.  Consider purchasing products that will last several years.  An example would be backpacks.  Purchase backpacks that are not so specific (Disney Princesses or Toy Story) so that your kids will want to reuse the backpack for several years.  Consider purchasing decals or patches to decorate the backpack, that can be easily removed and passed on to another child when you are done with them.

There are items such as Natural Fiber Backpacks are available on Amazon.com.


4.  Consider purchasing reusable lunch containers that not only have a lunch box, but also have the containers and wraps for the food itself.  Companies like Kids Konserve offer reusable waste free lunch boxes at a variety of prices.  I really like their Waste Free Lunch Cost Comparison available here.



5.  Take inventory of clothing and only purchase what is necessary for Back-to-School clothing.  Sites like thredUP offer the ability to swap kids clothes with people virtually anywhere. 

As with anything that you may purchase for Back-to-School this year, keep in mind the number of trips you are making to multiple retail stores.  When purchasing online keep in mind where the products are made and shipped from to reduce your overall consumption.


Sustainable Saturday - 5 Tips for Back-to-School (The Eco-Friendly Version) was originally published by Saving Family Green in August 2010.

Note:  Some of the links referenced in this post are my referral links.  You can read Saving Family Green's Material Connection Disclosure Policy here.