FAQs
Community Food Smart is a food security initiative supported by the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation, Fredericton Community Inclusion Network, Greater Fredericton Social Innovation and the United Way of Central NB.
Membership in this bulk food discount buying club is open to all, including those individuals and families most in need of access to fresh quality, affordable food delivered near to where they live, work or study.
Membership in this bulk food discount buying club is open to all, including those individuals and families most in need of access to fresh quality, affordable food delivered near to where they live, work or study.
Affordability
All money received from members goes towards the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. CFS operates as a buying club and not a charity. Each bag costs $15 and comparisons to date have proven that to buy the same amount of food from retailers would cost at least twice this amount.
How do we do it ?
Food is purchased in bulk direct from local farmers and wholesalers. Thanks to community partners, overhead costs are eliminated. Packing space is donated and volunteers pack all bags. In this way, we are able to minimize costs and enjoy the full benefits associated with buying in large quantities.
Accessibility
Distributor sites located at prime locations make it as easy as possible for members to obtain their fresh produce bags close to where they either live, work or study. Members can place an order for one or two food bags on or before the scheduled due date each month and one week later, fresh produce bags are ready for pick up.
Healthy Living
Food bags are brimming with nutritious produce carefully selected to ensure freshness, affordability and variety.
Supporting Local Food Producers
To create a sustainable and affordable food supply, communities need to invest in our local farmers. When possible, produce will be purchased directly from local food growers. We ensure that farmers receive a fair price for quality produce.
See also Members rights & responsibilities here.
All money received from members goes towards the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. CFS operates as a buying club and not a charity. Each bag costs $15 and comparisons to date have proven that to buy the same amount of food from retailers would cost at least twice this amount.
How do we do it ?
Food is purchased in bulk direct from local farmers and wholesalers. Thanks to community partners, overhead costs are eliminated. Packing space is donated and volunteers pack all bags. In this way, we are able to minimize costs and enjoy the full benefits associated with buying in large quantities.
Accessibility
Distributor sites located at prime locations make it as easy as possible for members to obtain their fresh produce bags close to where they either live, work or study. Members can place an order for one or two food bags on or before the scheduled due date each month and one week later, fresh produce bags are ready for pick up.
Healthy Living
Food bags are brimming with nutritious produce carefully selected to ensure freshness, affordability and variety.
Supporting Local Food Producers
To create a sustainable and affordable food supply, communities need to invest in our local farmers. When possible, produce will be purchased directly from local food growers. We ensure that farmers receive a fair price for quality produce.
See also Members rights & responsibilities here.
Bags are brimming with produce carefully selected to ensure freshness, affordability and variety. We consider everything from what's in season, what's available at a fair price and what's available from local farmers. Standard items include apples, bananas, oranges, potatoes, onions and carrots. The rest of the items will vary each month.
Examples of previous produce bags
Examples of previous produce bags
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6 Macintosh apples
2 lbs bananas 6 oranges 5 lbs potatoes 2 lbs onions 2 lbs carrots 1 squash 1 iceberg lettuce 1 lb large peppers 1 celery 1 lb tomatoes 4 pears |
5 Paula Red apples 2 lbs bananas 5 oranges 5 lbs potatoes 2 lbs onions 2 lbs carrots 1 cauliflower 1 grapefruit 2 lbs sweet potatoes 1 lb tomatoes 2 pears |
5 Macintosh apples
2 lbs bananas 6 oranges 5 lbs potatoes 2 lbs carrots 2 lbs onions 1 pineapple 1 grapefruit 2 kiwis 1 lb sweet potatoes 1 large lemon 3 pears |
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Who Can Join?
Membership is open to all. There are no pre-requisites for qualification. 
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How Does it Work?
Membership entitles you to purchase one or two bags in any given month. There is no requirement to place an order every month. 
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What am I Responsible for?
Members pay for their order in full and in advance at their Distributors' location and return a clean recyclable produce bag. If a clean bag is not returned, members pay a fee to cover the cost to purchase a new bag for their order. 
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Visit your Distributor by the beginning of the month to place your order for one or two fresh produce bags. Order dates tend to occur in the week of the month but may be adjusted due to holidays or snow storms. The cost of each bag is $15 and payment in full is required when you place your order. Please return any recyclable produce bags you received from previous orders. If you are not able to return the bag, you will be asked for a payment to cover the cost of purchasing a new bag for packing.
Return to your Distributor's office one week later, after 1pm and before the close of operations, to pick up your order. Prompt pick-up helps to ensure you receive maximum freshness and quality. Exchanges of produce items is not possible, unless done between members.
Note: If orders are not picked up by the end of the week, they must be discarded as we can no longer assure the quality of the food you receive.
Check out this website for a complete list of order due dates and pick-up dates for your community.
Return to your Distributor's office one week later, after 1pm and before the close of operations, to pick up your order. Prompt pick-up helps to ensure you receive maximum freshness and quality. Exchanges of produce items is not possible, unless done between members.
Note: If orders are not picked up by the end of the week, they must be discarded as we can no longer assure the quality of the food you receive.
Check out this website for a complete list of order due dates and pick-up dates for your community.