Hello Subetans! Let me welcome you to the third annual Subeta-run food swap! Last year I started this event! I essentially copied last years board, saving the dates we decided on (as a group.) I have, mostly, left Subeta. Sad but true, however, I'd love to keep my account if only to host this event! : ) So, don't worry, I'm not disappearing!

Sign up Deadline: March 1st

Send By Deadline: April 1st

How do I join?

To join send me an Smail requesting to get your name put onto our members list. Also include if you're "international" or "in country only" shipping. If you choose the second option, then you MUST supply me with your country name. Take the time to review the FAQ and rules, make sure you can really commit to the project both financially and time-wise. This is a fun event but don't just grab any ol' thing in the grocery store to ship off, give it some real thought. I request that when you sign up you include your state/providence and country (nothing more!) for the list. This will prevent me from assigning (for example) two Californians together. I also suggest you join our ping group by clicking HERE! The group will be pinged for updates on rules, deadlines, and other event-related material.

F.A.Q.

What is a food swap? Essentially, it is its title! You make up a package of local staples and personal favorites of food/snacks and package them up. You'll get matched with a partner. The two of you will exchange your packages via mail.

How does it work? Sign up by the deadline and shop using the guideline above and helpful guide below. At the sign up deadline I will assign partners using an online randomizer. I will post the paired partners and ping the food swap group. At this time it is up to you, the members, to contact your partner privately to swap address' in enough time to mail them on the send deadline date. ALLERGIES: When you are partnered up, remember to let them know if you have anything you can not eat. Packages are to be shipped by the send deadline, not arrived. Give shipping its appropriate time to work.

"International" or "In Country" Shipping? If you'd like to ship internationally, choose the "international" option. If you're only willing to ship within your own country (US to US, UK to UK, etc.) due to shipping prices or otherwise, chose "in country" shipping.

What if I'm the Only [x] Country Member to Sign Up for "In Country"? Unfortunately, you would then be forced to switch to international or withdraw. :( I would hate for this to happen but there is truly nothing I can do for you. Perhaps try to make Subetan friends from your country and urge them to join in! : )

How Much is Shipping? It varies from location to location but USPS provides a handy shipping calculator right here! Most members on the list have chosen to provide a state/providence for us. Here is a zip code finder list and this will help you get a general idea of shipping costs within your own country or outside of. For the zip code finder, it needs a city. Just try using the capital, this will get you the general idea of the cost but not an exact. PLEASE make sure you are prepared to pay the shipping costs before you join. No one wants to be stiffed when suddenly their partner realizes it's 60$ to ship overseas.

How do I know what is legal to send? If you live in the US, call the CBP (1-877-227-5511) and press 3 for information about this. It's an automated list and it's quite long but worth a listen. At the end is two numbers to call if you're still unsure about foods. For other countries I am not sure so. I would suggest calling the USPS or other shipping service and saying you need to know shipping customs in your country and they'll send you to the right place. : ) has given me a wonderful list about sending to the USA in English! Click here!

Can I send a non-food item? This is a food swap but it's about getting fun, neat things from other countries or states. As long as it isn't prejudice and opinionated (IE: about religion, sexuality, etc.) Then it should be fine to include a fun little thing. It will probably make your partner smile or laugh and will be appreciated. Of course, it is to be sent with food items, of course. Recipes are a great food related thing to send!

What if I get ripped off? There is nothing I or Subeta can do for this. This is a fun event and I would hope no one would take advantage but can do nothing to assure it. This is a faith run system and I have yet to see it be abused. Last year was a completely success (as far as I know!) and everyone really seemed to have a great time!

• If this happens to you, SMAIL ME and let me know the user! We will create a blacklist and know not to include that member in future events!

Do I have to post my address/personal info? Yes and no. You are more than welcome to let your partner sign your Subeta UN/other nickname to the package if that makes you more comfortable. You will, however, have to share your address with your partner. This can be done over SMail in complete privacy. Please know that names are kept on record at the office/on your mailbox for delivery and sometimes a package can be refused for not being on the name list. Generally, though, only last names are kept on record. If you'd prefer to use your UN as a first name with your last name or just use your last name that would be fine. : )

Can I get paired up with [insert name]? Sorry, but no. It ruins the point and FUN of the event to get paired up with someone you know/are friends with. I'm using a randomizer to assign everyone. The only changes after that will be if two same locations got paired together.

What if we have an odd number? At this point I would ping our group to see if anyone wants to have two partners, or would try to do so myself.

I joined but since then my financial situation has changed, what do I do? Send me an Smail to remove your name from our list. Please try to give the swap two weeks notice for this kind of event. Note: If the shipping is what's getting you, feel free to switch to in country shipping for a cheaper price.

Rules

1. Must be 18 (eighteen) or older to enter. I apologize to our younger Subeta users who may have held interest. This is more of a liability thing.

2. Be considerate, please don't be the person to ruin this game for everyone. As previously stated, this is a faith based system and taking advantage of that would ruin it for the rest of us. Along with simply not sending anything, I ask you not to be stingy. It would be very disheartening to really work on a package and get one with uninspired items picked up at the grocery store or one with just two items inside.

3. The rules are subject to change at any time as I see fit. As this event progress' and grows, I may need to change and add to these rules. I hold the right to do so.

4. Must spend a minimum of 25$ USD dollar or other currency equivalent. No one wants to be ripped off and I find anything less just won't get you very far.

This is NOT a rule, but I'm putting it here so everyone will read it. I HIGHLY suggest getting a tracking number on your package. It only costs a few cents extra and gives one a great sense of peace of mind. This, however, is NOT a rule and you are NOT obligated to do so. As of right now, USPS offers FREE tracking and UP TO 50$ security on your package for FREE! :) Take advantage!

Note: let me know that last year she got jellies in glass jars and they all broke. :( Please make sure to package glass very carefully. Bubble wrap highly suggested and it can be found in dollar stores! I'd suggest bubble wrap, newspaper, then wrapped in a plastic grocery bag.

Helpful Guide

DO send: local staples, locally made food/food items, items only available near/in your area, snacks and/or treats you enjoy (even if they aren't particularly location based,) fun or funky foods, things you think others wouldn't have tried before, homemade goodies. Spices,seasonings, and sauces ARE food items! :) Get creative!

DON'T send: Perishable foods that would go bad in the shipping time you selected, anything against shipping laws and regulations, thoughtless gifts, something your partner has said they are allergic to/can't eat.

Other Helpful Hints!

Try checking your local dollar store for shipping supplies. One can usually acquire a box for free just checking their house, asking friends, or storage units/grocery stores. Shipping grade brown paper is available by the roll for 1$ in my local dollar store, along with 1$ for two rolls of tape. : ) Peanuts are also there if you're sending anything that needs to be handled gently! Remember, write "fragile" on your package if it has glass or other fragile packages inside and you want it to be handled tenderly. Though, try to also package it safely, as the "fragile" stamp can only help you so much.

International Members Nebraska, USA Massachusetts, USA New Mexico, USA

In Country

I didn't get to do this last year but I definitely am this year!

Honestly it probably pays to sign up early too. This way you can start your shopping early, and get maybe one small thing a month (providing it isn't something super perishable like pastry), that way by the time rolls around to send stuff you only have to worry about the shipping costs!

Want to do this? I am :D

I'll see if I can come around to participate this time :)

Things aren't looking too bright this year :c Hopefully it gets better! EDIT:

I'm sorry everyone but obviously this ship has sunk. :( If anyone wishes to continue or run the event I'm happy to pass off the leadership (the group calling thing, I forget what it's called, a ping??) And you're welcome to use and/or alter my set up. It was a good try!

That's really sad! This was such a really awesome group activity to participate in every year on the site. :( I wish more people had joined.

Me too. :( I'm also very sorry! It was a fun idea and it worked before. I'm not sure what happened. D;

I subscribed to this thread when it was new and then promptly forgot about it D: It seemed like such a good idea, maybe next time!