Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley
Right: Thrive Market offers specialty foods that fit a wide range of dietary needs, as well as household products and beauty products. Their packaging is top-notch! Left: Locally-grown mushrooms were among the items available through A.R Teals produce this week.
Going to online grocery platforms can be a huge step up for your pantry
One of the worst side effects of the pandemic (or maybe just growing up) is how grumpy a run to the grocery store makes me.
When major chain grocery stores transitioned to include online ordering, I was a little happier. However, it seemed like everyone in the county was happier, and it wasn't long before pick-up slots were hard to book.
Once bitten, I decided to investigate other online options and tried three out. They offered healthy food options, sourced from local, small-owned businesses, and in at least one case, rescued food that would otherwise be thrown away.
California-based Thrive Market has become my go-to for specialty food needs. Thrive prides itself on using small businesses and businesses on a mission to help make the world a cleaner place to live. Pricewise, most of their over 2,000 products are similar to those found in the NOSH (natural, organic, specialty, healthy) section at Grocery Outlet.
Thrive also offers pantry staples and snacks that fit into vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, keto, paleo, and Whole30 diets. They also carry natural cleaning supplies, health and wellness products, beauty products, and a small beef, pork, and chicken selection.
One of my favorite things about Thrive Market is its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Currently, the market is carbon neutral and has pledged to become carbon-negative by 2025. They will reach a Zero Waste Certification this year and be plastic-neutral by 2023.
I've made four orders so far, and I have been impressed by the packaging each time. All the packaging is recyclable, and since the orders ship via ground, the boxes do not get smashed or abused. Their annual Impact Reports are available to view on their website.
Now, the downside. Thrive Market requires membership to view its products. They offer two options, a monthly and yearly membership, which are $10 and $60, respectively. They also do not have any fresh produce, and I am unaware of any plans to integrate fresh foods.
Not having fresh produce wasn't a dealbreaker for me after discovering Misfits Market. Also based out of California, Misfits 'rescues' organic produce that does not meet supermarket appearance standards. Out of the three orders I have received from them, the ugliest item was a Roma tomato that may have been knicked while on the vine. I've eaten sketchier-looking fruits and veggies out of my home garden.
Misfits also has pantry staples, snacks, and canned goods that have crooked labels or misprints, but the food within is just fine. As a result, the food tends to be deeply discounted, making it easier to eat healthier without breaking the bank.
Like Thrive Market, Misfits ships via FedEx Ground. Since the orders involve fresh produce, they are packed the morning they are shipped to keep the fruit and veggies fresh and crisp.
It is hard to find a downside to Misfits Market, but, alas, it happened. Misfits Market does not require a membership, but it does give you a three-day shopping window to build your order from the products offered. They send plenty of notifications; however, customers must pay attention to ensure desired delivery dates.
The website will automatically add $30 (the minimum order) of their best-selling products, which you can keep, add to, or replace with your choice.
I will admit it has been fun to shop in California from the comfort of my Washington home. However, I was beyond thrilled to discover a local option with A.R Teal's Produce located in Walla Walla.
A.R Teals is a local wholesale distribution company that made a massive pivot in 2020. With restaurants closed or limited due to the pandemic, the company switched to a home-delivery model for at-home chefs. Over time, the switch stuck.
A.R Teals' partners with local farms, including Hayshaker Farms and Chesed Farms, and local businesses, including Butcher Butcher and Passatempo Taverna, to provide fresh meats, veggies, fruit, and more. I received a four-pound trussed chicken from Butcher Butcher, pomegranates, lion's mane mushrooms, bananas, winter radishes, and other goodies in last week's order. This week, I get to enjoy fresh bucatini from Passatempo, oyster and shiitake mushrooms from Chesed Farms, heirloom grape tomatoes, and organic rainbow carrots.
Each Tuesday, A.R Teal's online store is restocked with the week's selection, and emails are sent out to those who subscribe. There are two delivery days, Thursday, and Saturday, depending on where you live. You choose what goes into your order and are only charged for what you ordered. No hidden fees or shipping minimums here!
While they currently do not deliver to Waitsburg, the owner, Chris, said he would consider it if there were at least six regular weekly orders from homes in Waitsburg. And, as the warm weather creeps closer, the food selection will begin to reflect all the fresh produce enjoyed in the Walla Walla area.
A.R Teals is locally owned and operated and supports local farms working to make a difference here at home. Unlike the California-based platforms, I honestly cannot find any downsides to this website! Plus, the owner is incredibly kind and has been willing to work with me to fulfill my delivery needs.
Online shopping has given my kitchen a much-needed culinary update, allowing me to eat like an heiress on a young family's budget. If you're a creative eater, shopper, or would like to become more adventurous, check out these and other online shopping platforms.
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