Want to Save Big on Produce? Lutz Co-op Has a Plan

The way Kristen Sandhoff sees it, joining a produce co-op is a no-brainer.

“It’s definitely a cost savings when I think about how much I get for my money,” she said. “It’s way better than what you’d get at the grocery store. Quality is better too.”

Sandhoff is part of Carlita’s Bowl Veggie Co-op in Lutz. Run by Carla Horning and her family, the co-op serves about 90 families in the Bay Area and is looking to attract up to 300. The idea is simple: Members pool their money together, Horning buys produce at wholesale prices and everyone enjoys items at a fraction of what it would cost if they went to a grocery store alone.

“A lot of people want to eat more healthy, they want to buy more produce but money is sometimes tight,” Horning said of the supermarket experience. “I buy as much as I can for the money. The variety is always changing based on the season and what’s cheapest." 

Horning and her family go to produce wholesalers on Hillsborough Avenue. Each family gets a weekly share of about 30-40 pounds of seasonal produce. Cost is $30 per share with a one-time joining fee of $25 to cover the cost of the bin, baggies and other supplies.

Horning said the weekly haul would cost double at most major grocery chains. The savings isn’t as steep at discount chains such as Aldi and Walmart, Horning added, but the quality and variety is superior.

“Twenty-four heads of lettuce costs me 15 dollars instead of $2.49 at the grocery store,” Horning said for example.

If you’re looking for only organic, this is not the place to look.

“If it’s there and it’s a good price, I buy it,” Horning said, “but it’s not every week and it’s inconsistent.”

Live too far to pick up at the Horning household in Lutz? Carlita's Bowl also delivers its loads to community pickup points — certain members' homes, to be exact — in Trinity, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, South Tampa and Temple Terrace for further dispersal. Soon to be added to that list are Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel. 

More Information:

• Carlita's Bowl website
• Carlita's Bowl Facebook page