The ONFC is a large distributor in Ontario of natural and organic foods. They also have things like oat groats, which can be hard to find elsewhere.
They don't sell to the public, but they do offer a buying club. Here's their breakdown on it (cut and pasted):
"What is a Buying Club?
Buying Clubs are groups of individuals and/or families who get together to buy directly from the wholesaler. Each member creates an order based on the ONFC Buying Club catalogue, and the club places a collective order to ONFC. We deliver the order to a club member’s home where it is divided into the individual orders. Members then pick-up their orders and pay for their invoices.
What are the Benefits of starting a Buying Club?
Supporting a sustainable food system by purchasing organic and eco-friendly products
Strengthening relationships with your community, friends and family
Saving money on your food dollar by buying in bulk or by the case
Convenient one-stop-shopping
How do I start my own club?
To get your own club started you need to have at least five adult members. Often a Buying Club begins with five households or five families and grows to include more individuals. There is no maximum number of members. If you aren’t able to get a group of people together, there is also the option of joining an existing club.
Once you have a group of 5 or more people together, just fill in the Buying Club application form and fax or mail the completed form to us and we will set up a Buying Club account for you. You can start ordering shortly thereafter."
I'd be very interested in starting a club in my area, or joining an existing one. Is anyone else interested in this?
If you're worried about being anonymous, I have a good workaround on that. I can bring the food into a shipping depot owned by a family member and can distribute from there.
can you post a link for the site, and I may be interested too by the way
Well Mr. Greenguy, you might be new here but your involvement is excellent!
Awesome find and thanks for sharing.
So where is Southwestern Ontario, which town is closest?
So between this one and the other Bulk Grain Process place I think you have just finished off the places for us to get excellent quality foods!
Is the product non GMO? Do they have that option?
Thanks for the complement!
I'm closest to London, so anyone in that area could join up for a Buyers Club here. Other clubs could form based on geography.
The product is certified organic, but I'm not well read on whether that would mean non GMO as well. I'd be happy to call them Monday and find out.
I do know that they support local organic farmers, so all the product is made right here.
Yes that is NON GMO for sure.
I maybe interested. Depends on how much I would have to spend each month and I am about an hour from London area.
Yes that is NON GMO for sure.
I maybe interested. Depends on how much I would have to spend each month and I am about an hour from London area.
I'M in same boat...depends on what i have to spend every month .
depends on what all members agree on.
in London area also.
Yes that is NON GMO for sure.
I maybe interested. Depends on how much I would have to spend each month and I am about an hour from London area.I'M in same boat...depends on what i have to spend every month .
depends on what all members agree on.
in London area also.
Get enough members that every individual doesn't "HAVE" to place monthly orders if s/he doesn't want to. 10 should suffice, 15-20 would be ideal.
I already buy ONFC, through my mother's business account. In 15 years we've had zero complaints (although the haulage companies they hire sometimes get rough with the goods).
It's coming... and it's going to hurt!
Ok, so I've worked a bit more on this. Here's what I know. There are lots of buying clubs already in operation throughout Ontario. If you want to know if there is a group in your town/city/area, just call Irina from the ONFC at 905.507.2021 ext 228.
As for me, I'll be starting up a new club in St. Thomas. According to the ONFC, based on geographical area, my buying club (as a whole) needs to purchase at least $500 worth of product per order in order to meet the minimum for shipping. The ONFC delivers to my area every Wednesday, although we as a group only need to put in at least one order per year in order to remain active. Most clubs order every other month. Members will receive catalogs, fliers, and special promo's by mail or email, whichever they prefer. Members will be asked to provide personal details such as their name, address, phone number and email address. If anyone would like to join this group, please PM me and I'll send you my contact info so we can communicate further.
The only other thing I need to mention up front is that the ship center that will receive the product does not currently have a fridge or freezer, so items that need to be refrigerated should not be ordered at this time. If there becomes a need for refrigerated storage, we'll work on solving that issue.
Any other questions, just ask.
Thank you!
Just came across this book :
"Food and Fellowship:
Projects and Recipes to Feed a Community
by Andrea Belcham
Save money and time, eat well, have fun,
promote sustainability, and build community . . .
Learn how to organize a food buying club and a batch cooking group."
From-
http://www.naturallifebooks.com/books/Food_and_Fellowship.htm
OK, so instead of starting my own club, I've opted to join an existing club. It's a lot easier, and everyone benefits from having more members by having bigger orders to put in. I know that there were a few members here that were interested in the buying club, and I don't want to leave you guys out. If you want, you can PM me and I'll send you the catalog by email. If there is anything you ever want there, just let me know and I'll get it for you under my name.
Then you'll just have to pick up your order and can pay me cash, therefore no paper trail to you.
OK, so instead of starting my own club, I've opted to join an existing club. It's a lot easier, and everyone benefits from having more members by having bigger orders to put in. I know that there were a few members here that were interested in the buying club, and I don't want to leave you guys out. If you want, you can PM me and I'll send you the catalog by email. If there is anything you ever want there, just let me know and I'll get it for you under my name.
Then you'll just have to pick up your order and can pay me cash, therefore no paper trail to you.
Bravo Sir, Bravo.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
Im in london I would be very interested in any of the existing buying co-ops or joining a new one or even starting my own please contact me with any info that may help me get started
Hi Alleycatb,
Call the Co-op directly. There are lots of buying clubs already in operation throughout Ontario. If you want to know if there is a group in your town/city/area, just call Irina from the ONFC at 905.507.2021 ext 228. She will send you contacts for some London groups.
Enjoy!
Welcome Allycatb and greetings from Northern Ontario.