On a budget? Let’s go shopping!
Big Idea
- You can get a large amount of pre-selected food for a ridiculously small amount of money
- Typically there is enough food for multiple families
- You should clear out your car, because it will be filled with cases of food
- Also make sure you have available refrigerator and freezer space
- The price is so great, that it’s worth driving from Phoenix or Flagstaff to buy it
Your Shopping List
2 cases Jimmy Dean Croissants ham egg and cheese
3 bags Mexican cheese blend (great for quesadillas)
2 pints Blueberries
3 pints Cherry tomatoes
2 bags mixed bell peppers
6 packages of mushrooms (portabella, sliced,shitake,whole white)
1 case blueberry yogurt box
2 milk 2% gallons
6 boxes of salads (ceasar, broccoli mix, southwest, chopped kale cranberry, romaine blend, iceberg blend, avocado blend, ranch dressing carrot sticks, and more)
2 pks frozen chicken drumsticks
2 pks vanilla protein powder
3 bags of cherries
4 watermelon
2 case grapes 36 lbs
2 bags of apples
1 box Roma Tomato 25lb
1 Bag potato’s 20lb
1 Box of Mangos 14ct
1 Wachukiss Habanero Hot Sauce box
6 Mountain Dews 20oz
1 Bottle cranberry juice
2 Packs Canadian Bacon
2 Bags of Mexican blend cheese
1 Box frozen chicken
15 Bags assorted chips
1 case Apple juice
Box containing: Milk, sour cream, yogurt, butter, cottage cheese, cheese
Produce box: Veggies, fruit, oranges, apples, zucchini and more
This was our kitchen after a “Happy Box” trip!
How much do you think you’re going to pay?
If you have $150-200 in mind, that’s not surprising. But, you’ll be thrilled when you find out that you only have to pay $52, which even includes tax.
Everything on the list above is included in this week's “Happy Box” sold at Maya’s Mercado in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Each week the Happy Boxes are different, and announced on their Facebook page, along with other items that are available.
A friend of mine calls Mayas, “Little Mexico.” It’s a small little store on Robert Road, with about 6 parking spots. When I took my daughter-in-law, she was thrilled to see some of the native candy and food items that she used to find in Mexico. The entire family of all ages pitches in to help run this locally owned store, and you’ll be hard pressed to find customer service that is friendlier or more courteous. They are also very good at suggestive selling!
While you’re there, pick up a barbecued chicken dinner or a gigantic burrito. You might also want to pick up some extra containers of fresh, homemade salsa and guacamole.
They also sell other groceries. Essentially, they are a full grocery store, jam-packed into a little, tiny store front.
However, there are a couple of things you should know. First of all, unlike a grocery store, the produce is likely ripe and ready to eat now. You may find some spoilage. The food is probably pretty close to date. You really cannot swap one thing for another. Basically, you are receiving discount clearance wholesale groceries. They sell so many of the Happy boxes, that by the time you pick it up, you may not get exactly what is listed on Facebook.
Finally, you may have to wait when you get there for it to be loaded up. There’s usually a line.
How to get a Mayas Happy Box?
1. Go to their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mayas.mercado
2. Check out to see what is being offered today.
3. Call and order in advance: 928.775.7040
Non-profit Giving
There’s one other thing that is worth crediting Mayas Mercado for. They have stepped up to the challenge of COVID-19 in Arizona BIG TIME. Since May, 2020, Mayas Mercado has delivered more than 560,000 pounds of food across the state to the Navajo Nation, Hopi and Hualapai reservations. They donate food to local churches, food banks and other non-profits.
They are in the process of starting a non-profit organization called, Real Hope, Inc. in order to continue their charitable giving.
