
I've been meaning to write about Green Polka Dot Box (GPDB) for awhile now. Though it's a brand new organic food co-op, I tend to already take advantage of it. As a gluten-free baker, I try my best to use organics whenever possible, and it's imperative for me to never ever knowingly use any geneticially-modified ingredients, so I especially appreciate The Green Polka Dot Box and their commitment to organic, non-GMO foods at discount prices.
Launched late in 2011, this company was the brainchild of a former Costco executive named Rod Smith who recognized the need for lower-priced organic foods, especially in rural areas where organics are often hard to come by. Proudly referring to GPDB as a "buying collective," part of their mission is to help educate people about the connection between diet and disease. Though located in Utah, they ship to every zip code in America, meaning that if you bale on civilization but still have a post office address, you're covered.
They don't carry every brand that I used to routinely buy, but thus far I've been pleasantly surprised to find organic versions of most my baking supplies, including Bob's Red Mill flours, organic sugars, olive oils, dried fruits, and vanilla (which I go through like water!). I've also discovered some organic chips that I didn't know existed that are quite good, and a new brand of gluten-free crackers that I will definitely be buying again.
And here's the best part for those folks stuck in pesticide/herbicide zones across the country. GPDB has already launched a fresh produce delivery service in the western U.S., partnering with local farmers who pick, pack, and ship produce within their region with a two-day delivery promise. Other regions of the country will follow within the next couple of years, but they keep in touch with members regularly to update on the progress of making that happen. They have also been pretty good to let members know when new brands are added (for instance, Newman's Own just added quite a few new products since the initial launch of the company). Since they are a new company, they are still in 'stock' mode, so new brands are appearing regularly. Additionally, members can suggest products and brands to add, and they will follow up. (Some brands have declined the opportunity, which I think is pretty lame, but others will no doubt fill the void.)
Want to peruse the site just to see what they have? You can do that here. And if you decide to join, I have 3 free memberships to give away right now. A membership is good for one year, and at that point you can choose whether or not you want to renew. If not by gift invitation, memberships start at $50/yr., no minimum purchase, no regular purchase required, and purchases of $99 ship for free. (I always take advantage of the free ship because shipping tends to be so expensive these days. ) There's also a reward membership plan for $125/yr that allows you to earn points for referrals. (As a founding member, my free membership offer to you is different than this referral plan.) The link above will allow you to peruse the site, but if you decide you want one of my free memberships, please contact me via the contact link above, and I'll send you the link to the free membership. First come, first served.
It may not be for everyone, but quite honestly I absolutely love it.
Launched late in 2011, this company was the brainchild of a former Costco executive named Rod Smith who recognized the need for lower-priced organic foods, especially in rural areas where organics are often hard to come by. Proudly referring to GPDB as a "buying collective," part of their mission is to help educate people about the connection between diet and disease. Though located in Utah, they ship to every zip code in America, meaning that if you bale on civilization but still have a post office address, you're covered.
They don't carry every brand that I used to routinely buy, but thus far I've been pleasantly surprised to find organic versions of most my baking supplies, including Bob's Red Mill flours, organic sugars, olive oils, dried fruits, and vanilla (which I go through like water!). I've also discovered some organic chips that I didn't know existed that are quite good, and a new brand of gluten-free crackers that I will definitely be buying again.
And here's the best part for those folks stuck in pesticide/herbicide zones across the country. GPDB has already launched a fresh produce delivery service in the western U.S., partnering with local farmers who pick, pack, and ship produce within their region with a two-day delivery promise. Other regions of the country will follow within the next couple of years, but they keep in touch with members regularly to update on the progress of making that happen. They have also been pretty good to let members know when new brands are added (for instance, Newman's Own just added quite a few new products since the initial launch of the company). Since they are a new company, they are still in 'stock' mode, so new brands are appearing regularly. Additionally, members can suggest products and brands to add, and they will follow up. (Some brands have declined the opportunity, which I think is pretty lame, but others will no doubt fill the void.)
Want to peruse the site just to see what they have? You can do that here. And if you decide to join, I have 3 free memberships to give away right now. A membership is good for one year, and at that point you can choose whether or not you want to renew. If not by gift invitation, memberships start at $50/yr., no minimum purchase, no regular purchase required, and purchases of $99 ship for free. (I always take advantage of the free ship because shipping tends to be so expensive these days. ) There's also a reward membership plan for $125/yr that allows you to earn points for referrals. (As a founding member, my free membership offer to you is different than this referral plan.) The link above will allow you to peruse the site, but if you decide you want one of my free memberships, please contact me via the contact link above, and I'll send you the link to the free membership. First come, first served.
It may not be for everyone, but quite honestly I absolutely love it.