Bountiful Baskets

Sustainably Sadie

Bountiful Baskets

During the summer, I would see posts on Facebook regarding the Bountiful Basket program.  I was apprehensive and unsure what this program offered so never researched it myself until a close friend recently asked if I wanted to split Bountiful Baskets with her.  She raved about the program and how much fun she was having learning about new, fresh ingredients to nourish her family. 

I’ve since (and having the coffee shop closed for Winter makes it easier to participate) shared three baskets with this friend and have been so pleased with the price, quantity and quality of vegetables and fruits.  We’ve also seen bunches of herbs in the baskets.  This past week, for less than $10 our family gets to enjoy a head of Romaine lettuce, a bunch of celery, a pound of carrots, 2 potatoes, 3 bananas, 3 oranges, a mini watermelon, a whole pineapple, tomatoes, and pomegranates. 

Check out bountifulbaskets.org and *Like* the organization on Facebook.  Their Facebook page offers recipe suggestions and participants brag (in a good way) about the culinary successes created using the goodies from the basket.  The organization is a volunteer-based Food Co-op which accounts for the discount prices for fresh produce.  Ask your friends if they have participated in this program.  When visiting the website, check out the Frequently Asked Questions; do a little bit of research to find out if this program would work for you and your family.    

The description of the organization from Facebook reads, “Changing Montana one dinner at a time.”  From a tag line on their website, “Save money while you work together co-operatively from within your community.”  It is a creative way to get everyone in the family eating more fruits and vegetables; it is also a budget-friendly way to get everyone eating healthier.    

Now, after the thoughtful delivery of a friend, I get to spend the week playing "Use It Up" . I love splitting the order; it helps prevent wasting food.  I have a soup on the stove, banana bread in the oven, ate most of the watermelon by myself (I only get to claim baby cravings for a few more weeks).   Husband eats pomegranate for dessert and takes baggies of celery sticks in his lunch.  I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in this program as we do.  Consider asking a friend to do the program with you.  Bond with new friends when you take your turn to volunteer. 

Please share your Bountiful Basket experiences at the blog, www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com,  email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com or connect on Facebook.    

Twin Bits

The Notre Dame Catholic Church will be hosting its annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale at the Main Street Market starting at 9 am Tuesday November 20^th in Twin Bridges.  Stock up on pies, rolls and other baked goodies before the Thanksgiving Holiday. 

The Twin Bridges Christmas Stroll is right around the corner:  Thursday December 6th, Open House on Main Street, 4 pm to 6 pm.  Hayrides, Pictures with Santa, Games, Contests & Activities, Give-aways, Goodies.  FREE All Community Stew Feed in Main Street Park, 6 pm – 8 pm; Tree Lighting @ 6:30 pm, Live Entertainment.  Sponsored in part by the TBCA, the GRVCCA, 3 Rivers Communications, the Town of Twin Bridges and the Twin Bridges Rotary Club.  Contact Paula Kinoshita, TBCA Chair, 684-5959 or Jack Leber, TBCA Vice-Chair, 684-5686 for more information.

The River’s Edge Gallery will be open during the holiday season!!  Starting Saturday November 24^th, the Gallery will be open Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm until December 22^nd.  Please contact Therese Hutchinson at the Main Street Market for more information. 

The River’s Edge Gallery is a great shop for local holiday shopping.  I am still compiling a list of Buy Local Holiday Gift Ideas.  Share your suggestions!

From TBS Calendar:

Thurs Nov 15:  JrHi GBB w/ Cardwell @ Home

Nov 15 -17:  FFA attending John Deere Ag Expo @ Billings

Friday Nov 16:  Picture Re-Takes & JrHi GBB Team Pic @ Mt Room, 8:30 am

Sat. Nov 17:  JrHi GBB @ W. Yellowstone Tourney; FB State Championship Game, tba

Mon. Nov 19:  BB practice starts; Trailblazers 4-H mts, 7 pm @ Lunchroom

Tues Nov 20: AARP Driving Course @ MT Room, 9 am.

Nov 21, 22, 23:  No School, Thanksgiving Vacation

Tues Nov 27:  JrHi GBB w/ Sheridan @ Home, 4pm

Wed Nov 28:  FWP mtg @ MP Gym, 5:30 pm

Thurs Nov 29:  JrHi GBB @ Three Forks

Sat Dec 1:  JrHi GBB @ Three Forks Tourney

Mon Dec 3:  Community Blood Drive @ MT Room, 11:30 am

Tues Dec 4:  JV GB BB w/ Dillon @ Home

Wed Dec 5:  Booster Club Mtg, 6 pm

Thurs Dec 6:  JrHi GBB @ Whitehall, 4 pm; Fall Athletic Banquet @ MP Gym, 6:30 pm; TB Christmas Stroll

Fri Dec 7:  JrHi GBB w/ Townsend @ Home, 4 pm; Sheridan Christmas Stroll

Dec 7- 8:  BB Tip-Off Tournament @ Three Forks

Thurs Dec 13:  HS Holiday Concert, 7 pm

Tues Dec 18:  Elementary Holiday Concert, 6 pm

Wed Dec 19:  Cindy White Dance Studio Recital, 6 pm

Thurs Dec 20:  School Early Out, 12:30 pm

Dec 21- Jan 2:  No School, Christmas Vacation

 I’m here to share news and events for the Ruby Valley.  Contact me at 684-5222, at above Sustainably Sadie addresses or snail mail, Box 491 TB 59754.