Everett Delivers: Local Grocery Delivery Options
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been trying to avoid the grocery store as much as possible. Before the outbreak I didn’t like grocery shopping and now it stresses me out because all I can think about is the virus when I’m there.
I know what my family likes to eat so it is easy to keep the pantry stocked, but weekly trips are needed for perishables. I tried delivery from Fred Meyer but there were many challenges; including crushed lettuce.
I’ve been using Smith Brothers for years to deliver milk and eggs weekly and I can pick up some extra things like bread and bacon from them. I’ve been exploring other produce delivery options and from what I’ve discovered, I may never need to go back to the grocery store again. Here’s a rundown on some Everett-area options I’ve found.
THE BASICS
All of the options require that you sign up online and add a credit or debit card to pay. You pick one of the standard options, and every week you’ll need to log on and add or remove items you don’t want. Expect to pay more than at the grocery store (except for Imperfect Foods).
Delivery time // Linda War Bonnet
OPTIONS
Offerings: Milk and other dairy products, dairy substitutes, teas, juice and coffee, bakery items.
Pros: Organic egg and milk options. Recurring orders can be set for every other week. They have a phone app that sends a reminder to update your order and when your order is dropped on your doorstep.
Cons: Produce options are slim and prepackaged like you’d get at the grocery store - think Dole salads. Not very many grocery items compared to other options.
Offerings: Produce boxes with lots of options and sizes as well as a small selection of grocery items including chicken, beef, and salmon.
Pros: Everything is organic unless noted. You can have items permanently removed from your box by calling customer service. You can pay online to donate a box to a food bank.
Cons: The number of box options is a little overwhelming. They do not have a phone app and it is difficult to read the weekly items on a small screen. Their website could be easier to use.
Prepping Klesick’s produce // Linda War Bonnet
Offerings: 100% organic produce plus eggs, milk and local artisan grocery options.
Pros: Tons of meal options including soups, fresh pasta and even chicken pot pie. You might never need to go grocery shopping again. Easy to use website.
Cons: Not as many box options as Klesick’s
BONUS: You can order flowers from Thomas Family Farms!
Offerings: Organic and conventional produce, dairy, meat and groceries. It’s like the TJ Maxx of grocery delivery. Their goal is to keep food out of landfills by working with farmers and grocers to bring you overstock, flawed and short-dated foods.
Pros: The website is easy to use and there is a quick questionnaire to help you select a produce box. Conventional produce options to help you save money. Prices are cheaper than at the grocery store. Periodic reports to let you know how much food you kept out of the landfill. Tons of meat and fish options. Reduced cost boxes for those who qualify.
Cons: Offerings change every week and cow's milk is not always available. Cannot browse the offerings without setting up an account.
Imperfect Foods delivery // Marcy Forbes
TIPS
Set a reminder on your phone to help you remember to check and update your weekly order.
Do the same to make sure you get your order off your doorstep and don’t leave the milk out overnight like I once did.
Set aside time to prep your produce. Pour a glass of wine and commit to washing and cutting up anything that can be prepped ahead of time. I assure you you will make more salads if you just have to grab from the fridge and dump into your bowl.
If you end up with more than you can eat in a week, check online to see if it can be frozen. Celery and onions that will be used for soups and stews can be chopped to size and frozen for easy meal prep later on.
Are you using any of these delivery services? Are there others you recommend? Tell us over on Facebook.
Linda War Bonnet represents south Everett on the Live in Everett Team. When she isn’t working, she is running the Westmont-Holly Neighborhood Association. You might spot her walking her dog in the Holly neighborhood.