Food Swap

I have a little idea that I thought I'd run past people here.   

There's always a lot of talk about what food people miss from either the US or the UK, depending on which side of the pond you're on.

What if we organized a little food swap where interested participants can send packages to their designated "foodie friend"?  We could determine how often to send the package, i.e. every other month, quarterly, or whatever, so that it doesn't become too much of a burden.  And we could determine the value of each package.

I know that items can be sourced, but I just thought since there are folks on both sides, it might be a kind of fun thing.  Instead of a pen pal, you'd have a foodie friend and would look forward to your next care package of goodies.

Maybe it's a silly idea and won't go anywhere, but I thought it might be worth a chat.  Let me know what you think or if you have any ideas.....

I think it is a worthy idea, I would be more than happy to be involved.

I agree--- sounds like a great idea!

Im in too! That makes 4!!

Make it 5!

Great!  I think it will be really fun! 

How often do you think we should exchange packages?

I thought that we could do it quarterly:  Feb., May, Aug., Nov.  And, if we could aim to post the packages the first week of the month?  What do you guys think?  I also thought that Nov would be a good time because all of the Holiday stuff is out.

Any other ideas?


Since we have an odd number of people, is there anybody else out there interested to even it up?

I think the schedule you have come up with is perfect!!  Should we set some sort of amount to spend?

Great idea Kellie but are you the only one in the USA?
Anyway count me in!!!

Great idea!  Will there be a checklist for what not to send (customs restrictions)?

Wouldn't we need an even number of people from the UK and US? This sounds like a brilliant idea, but I'm not sure of how to get it to work properly.

Wouldn't we need an even number of people from the UK and US? This sounds like a brilliant idea, but I'm not sure of how to get it to work properly.

Yeah thats what I was thinking. Such a fantastic idea though!

Kellie & MarsBar are in the US.  The others are in the UK, I think.  So you need one more person from the US.

Chances are that maybe Marlespo would be interested once she's a little more settled?  Just a thought. 

Thanks, Peedal.  Yes, MarsBar and I are in the US, and as there are some others here US side as well, it would be ideal if one or two more want to participate!

Great idea!  Will there be a checklist for what not to send (customs restrictions)?

Good point.  I'll do some checking into this.  I'd have thought that "fresh" or chilled/frozen things are obviously not suitable.  Packaged/canned stuff is probably best!

Thanks everybody!!!!! 

Sounds good to me. I can do the research into customs regs if you guys want. Im weird and enjoy things like that lol!

Maybe if we give it a couple more days we can find a US based 3rd person though Im happy to fill in the space and send two packages (Martin's a big lad, Im sure he can deal with 2 packages in return!) until another person joins in.

Something to consider - things like Ribena might not cost very much in the store but they'll be really heavy and thus expensive to send. Maybe an overall cost for merchandise and shipping is a good idea (including packing materials).

I assume that we make requests quarterly with our food buddy then? Rather than have a set list for everyone. Right?

PS: Mart mentioned that the dollar is going to buy more than the pound and thus its possible that the UK recipient will recieve more US goods than the US recipient will UK goods. It might not feel fair as far as volumn goes but after considering several examples I think the most fair way to approach the value of the boxes is simply based on a straight value then converted into the appropriate currency at the current exchange rate. Ex. $20 = £10. That way at least we know everyone is spending the money fairly and equally. Thats probably what everyone was thinking lol Anyway, thoughts on that?