And although I splurge on books for myself and toys and doggie treats for Gordo, I realized that nearly 45 per cent of my grocery store bill was attributed to the cost of fruits and veggies.

While I prefer to purchase produce that is locally grown and reasonably-priced, organic items, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I actually examined the numbers.

As I pondered ways to cut back on my trips to the bookstore to save a few bucks, I remembered my friend, Sarah, telling me about this great program that offered fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies to Greater Toronto Area residents. The Good Food Box program allowed her to purchase a bunch of bananas, a few more fruits, a bag of potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and the like for $12. The best part was, all she had to do was send a quick email to the program coordinator and advise her that she would be picking up her goods on the next delivery date.

So I contacted the Good Food Box program. Unfortunately, I was told, it did not service the Burlington area. So I went on a hunt. If Toronto and nearby municipalities have access to such a great program, there’s got to be a similar organization that services either the Hamilton or Halton area.

As I Googled away on my laptop late one evening, I stumbled across the Halton Fresh Food Box website. Similar to the Good Food Box program, the Halton Fresh Food Box provides monthly food pickups for residents in the Halton region.

I couldn’t contain my excitement. I took note of the telephone number listed on the webpage and called bright and early the following day. While it took a few days to hear back from someone, I am pleased to say that I will be picking up my first order on October 21, which is, by the way, my 23rd birthday. What a great present to myself (along with a trip to Chapters or Indigo).

Of course, curiosity got the best of me and while speaking to the lady on the phone I had to ask, “What will be in the box?” Pears. Apples. Tomatoes. Peppers. Yum!

Although the woman couldn’t guarantee which items would be included, I didn’t care. For $15, I was getting my fair share of locally grown food that is guaranteed to be fresh and delicious – and cutting back on my grocery bill at the same time.

The Halton Fresh Food Box program is available to everyone residing in the Halton region. Visit the FoodShare.net website for a program location near you.

Now that I’ve found a financially sound solution to eating healthy, I may not have to kick my book addiction just yet, although I may have to cut back on the number of treats I feed my four-legged pal.