Welcome~

Welcome to Aromas Grocery Co-op's blog. We are neighbors in the community of Aromas that are interested in where to get good quality area produce and everything else related to healthy and affordable grocery opportunities.

Why we started our Co-op

• We help support alternative, independent grocery distribution and small family businesses.
• When possible we purchase together to save money by buying groceries in bulk.
• For convenience - those that are members of Azure Standard order online individually, then pick up together in Aromas once a month.

Note: Unfortunately Aromas Co-op has no openings for new Azure Standard members at this time. For other local Azure Standard drop sites please visit azurestandard.com/drop-point-locator

Borba Family Farm - organic produce stand in Aromas

Borba Farms is a family owned and operated company based out of Aromas, California. The Borba's have been farming for four generations, beginning with apricot orchards back in the late 1800’s. Ron, his wife Cindy, and their four kids specialize in growing a wide variety of certified organic produce year-round, you can find their produce stand here in Aromas on Saturday’s between 8 am and noon at 68 Corey Road off of San Juan Road. Look for the little red barn and their sandwich board sign~

borbafamilyfarms.com/

Organic wheat flour - buy direct from the farmer

Azure Standard delivery driver Rick Peterson is also an organic wheat farmer in Oregon. If you would like to order some flour directly from his family farm please visit etsy.com/shop/Risenshineorganics

The Value of an Independent Food Supply

People that order through the Azure Standard do so for a number of reasons, one of which is to support independent grocery supplies. Here is an important article about the value of an independent food supply:

It was happening before Amazon bought Whole Foods in 2017, but that purchase made it very clear. Our food supply is at risk when everything becomes consolidated at only a few behemoth companies...read the rest of the article here:
https://www.azurestandard.com/healthy-living/the-value-of-an-independent-food-supply/

Muggy Sue Farms - natural dog treats

Muggy Sue Farms is a family-owned business that specializes in natural dog treats that are good for dog’s teeth and gums. Their product, Muggy Meat, was born out of the need for a solution to their own dog’s dental health issues. Their treats are made of 100% food-grade beef and even picky dogs love them. Click here to visit their website and learn more about the dental and nutritional health benefits of their product. To contact Muggy Sue Farms about a free trial sample or to order online go to muggysuefarms.com/

Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Aromas

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a non-profit organization dedicated and committed to helping and serving our Aromas neighbors. They provide a free fruits & vegetable distribution twice a month on a Tuesday.  Most of the produce comes from Second Harvest Food Bank in Watsonville, they also try to provide protein by purchasing eggs, chicken and beans.  They do not receive any government assistance and therefore don't require any proof of need or assistance, but serve the elderly, the ill, the working poor, and families with children. No one is ever turned away. To learn more about all of the programs that Neighbors Helping Neighbors provides, or to see about volunteering or financially supporting their good work, please visit their website at www.aromasnhn.org

Pinnacle Farm Stand - local organic produce direct from the farmer

A good place to go for local organic produce is Phil Foster Ranches. They farm almost 300 acres of certified organic vegetables, melons and fruit on two ranches near San Juan Bautista and Hollister. Every Saturday between 8am and 1pm they open to the general public. We buy fresh, organic produce at good prices, straight from the farmer - one of the great blessings of living in our agricultural area. The farm is located about 15 minutes from Aromas at 400 Duncan Road, San Juan Bautista. Here is a link to their website with directions, what produce they are currently offering, and general info about them and their Saturday Farmstand. Bon appetit~

Making your order with Azure Standard

Ordering with Azure Standard:

Note: Unfortunately Aromas Co-op has no openings for new Azure Standard members at this time. If you would like to order with Azure Standard and use another local drop site, please use the directions below. For the locations of other local Azure Standard drop sites please visit azurestandard.com/drop-point-locator

Azure Standard has no membership fees, and you don't have to order every month if you don't want to. Members all order separately, but the delivery is made to all local drop site members at the same time and place. Drop sites need to have a monthly combined minimum order of $550.00 for delivery and no tax is ever charged. Each family needs to meet the $50.00 minimum for their personal order to avoid a $5.00 shipping fee.

Getting your order:

A pick up site (drop site) usually has delivery from Azure Standard once a month. Both Azure Standard and the drop site coordinator will contact everyone that ordered to let them know when Azure's delivery truck will be coming each time (times and dates can vary.) Everyone meets the Azure delivery truck at the delivery time and the delivery driver hands out our orders. If for some reason someone can't make it to the drop site on delivery day a friend or family member is welcome to pick up for them. If there is no one to pick up an order, it is sent back to Azure Standard with a 10% restocking fee.   

Groceries you can order:

There are a variety of natural, organic, non-gmo, vegan, gluten-free, sustainably-grown and fair trade items to choose from. We recommend checking the bargain bin and overstock sections for deals.
There are well-known brands like Amy’s & Newman’s Own, along with smaller and family-owned companies that offer: whole grains & flours, fresh & frozen meats & produce, earth-friendly cleaning supplies, pet & livestock feeds & supplements, canned & dried foods, garden starts & seeds, herbal salves & remedies, personal health & grooming products, helpful books, and much, much more. Azure Standard has over 14,000 products to choose from.
We have found that some products save us a lot of money, some a little, but all of the groceries have been of the highest quality.