How are you? Really. Are you finding ways to safely connect? Are you adding beauty and play and creative time to your days? Are you able to do the things you need to do?
With the COVID-19 pandemic, I've been finding ways to SAFELY do the things that need doing. Like grocery shopping. Yes, we are blessed with a Wegman's literally just outside our neighborhood (the husband, aka: Star Trek Red Shirt, normally tackles the in-person shopping). Yes, we've pre-ordered from local farmers and vendors for pick-up at drive-through farmers markets. Yes, we've even used Amazon.
Now I'm leveling up!
Fresh home delivery services, sign me up!!! We've signed up with The Neighborhood Harvest and with Imperfect Foods. This week we receive our first deliveries from these companies and I'm going to review each... the good, the bad, the edible!
First up: The Neighborhood Harvest. From their homepage:
"We are John, Eric, and Thomas, the founders of The Neighborhood Harvest.
Today, The Neighborhood Harvest operates in 19,000 ft. of greenhouse year round and delivers fresh and beyond organic lettuce varietals to more than 4,000 Hampton Roads residents.
But it all began with basil.
In 2012, we’d just ventured into greenhouse farming and began supplying fresh basil to local restaurant suppliers and grocers in Hampton Roads. The expansion in our farming over those first couple of years allowed us to establish The Neighborhood Harvest in 2014, join the Buy Local revolution and more fully serve our local community
So, what makes us different? Plenty.
1 We are beyond organic.
2 We are convenient.
3 We are local.
4 We are committed to you.
5 We are you.
We are The Neighborhood Harvest.
Buy fresh. Buy local. By all means, try The Neighborhood Harvest.
Building healthy habits has never been so easy!"
We signed up and placed an order online from the selection of farm-fresh produce, eggs and dairy, bakery, craft beverages, harvest kitchen, and pasture-raised proteins. No pre-set amount or pre-selected items. Just shop what you want and put your cooler out on your area's delivery date. Here's what we ordered:
Everything arrived, beautifully packaged and handled with care. The bacon was delivered in a foil pouch. The fruit and vegetables were in their individual bags, and then batched into larger plastic bags.
Like Christmas and your birthday rolled into one yummy delivery, right? Let's open them up!
Edward's Peppered Bacon, one hefty loaf of Fruit Nut Bread, one 16 oz. bag of Green Machine Superfood Juicing Blend, celery, 3 good-sized shallots, 2 bell peppers - orange and yellow, 1 lb. Persian cucumbers, 5 large apples, 5 large golden potatoes, plus information and FAQs.
THE GOOD:
Signing up and ordering were easy and quick. There is no contract and you can cancel at any time. The website is beautifully done and easy to navigate.
Delivery was on time, no touch, and efficient. Items were placed in the cooler we set out on our front porch gently. (You can order a TNH cooler or use a large one of your own.) We did not have to go out to the store... major GOOD.
The items were of the very best quality. Beyond organic, locally grown, pesticide and GMO free, in season, and darned pretty to look at. The produce was pristine, good-sized, and very fresh. The gorgeous potatoes had me swooning!
The labeling is clear and informative. The additional information enclosed is helpful and added value.
THE BAD (not really bad, just maybe slightly less than great):
The items are pricey if you are used to purchasing your groceries at Walmart or Costco. That being said, I did not find it more expensive than what we normally pay for local, organic items at markets and stores.
Plastic. Lots of it. On each item ordered and then again in groups of items. I did appreciate the foil packaging on the bacon, though.
THE (highly) EDIBLE:
This fruit nut bread is so scrumptious! Nice thick slices, good distribution of fruit and nuts throughout, and soul-soothing with a little vegan butter on top of a toasted slice!
THE VERDICT:
The Neighborhood Harvest is a big WIN in my book. I love the simplicity of it and the amazing quality of the items. We will continue to order!
Next up: our next delivery is from Imperfect Foods. I'll be sure to check back in with our review!
1 comment:
This is very interesting. Do they have this for all states as I live in Kansas but would be a good option for me. Thx, Pam Lacey
Post a Comment