Welp.
Life has gotten considerably crazier here in the U.S. since I last blogged on Friday.
Schools are closed, events are cancelled, people are working from home, and, uh, the grocery stores are kind of nuts.
If you want something like lemon extract, you’re good. It’s in stock!
But you’d better not want bread, bananas, or toilet paper.
Here at chez FG, we are pretty much good to go on necessities, but I know not everyone is feeling that way.
And as I was pondering that, I thought it might be helpful to list a few non-grocery store options for you.
Even though I do have groceries, it made me feel a little better to know that there are still alternatives, and I hope it makes you feel better too.
Produce
I hear that a number of grocery stores are having trouble keeping produce in stock.
So, this is a great time to consider a produce delivery service.
People can’t go to a produce warehouse and panic buy all the oranges, you know?
Hungry Harvest
(Update 3/23- Hungry Harvest is not accepting any more new customers at the moment, due to high demand. They want to make sure they don’t take on more customers than they can adequately serve.)
If you live on the east coast, give Hungry Harvest a try.
I’ve never had bananas from them 
but they can bring you a box filled with a variety of produce each week, and you never have to leave your house or interact with another human.
Plus, when you buy from Hungry Harvest, you are helping farmers to earn money from produce that may otherwise have gone to waste.
(Note: Hungry Harvest usually has some non-produce add-ons, such as milk, cheese, and bread.)
Washington’s Green Grocer
If you live around Washington D.C., you can order produce from Washington’s Green Grocer.
WGG is a small business (and they keep it that way on purpose), so this is only useful for those of you in the Mid-Atlantic.
But if that’s you and you need some fruits and veggies, go check them out!
(Note: WGG also sells some non-produce items, such as bread and milk.)
WGG doesn’t sell rescued produce, so if ugly produce squicks you out, WGG is a better option for you.
Imperfect Produce
This service is a lot like Hungry Harvest, but it’s available across more of the country.
I don’t have a discount code for you, but you could probably google to find one.
Consider a meal kit service
The cheapest option is almost always to cook food at home with groceries you buy.
BUT.
If you don’t have enough groceries and you can’t get out to the store, this might be a really great time for a meal kit service.
The current evidence suggests that food transmission is not a big concern, and every food company I’ve come into contact with has sent me emails saying they are being very careful about sanitation around food prep.
So it sounds to me like meal kit delivery service could be safer than grocery shopping.
There are a ton of options out there, but I’ll highlight two I have tried (and have discount codes for!)
Dinnerly
Meal kits are never super cheap, but if you’re looking for the most affordable option, Dinnerly is it.
Dinnerly costs less than $5/serving, and the cooking/prep is definitely on the easier side of things as compared to other meal kits.
Plus, if you order a Dinnerly box through a link or button on my blog, you can get $10 off per box for the first three weeks.
The voucher should apply through the button below, but you can also try copying and pasting this discount code in during checkout: A3FRGLXGRL10W
(3/23 update: Dinnerly has gotten overwhelmed with new customers and for the moment, the $10 discount offer has been removed. I’ll update when it’s back up and running.)
Washington’s Green Grocer
I mentioned that they deliver produce, but they do also have meal kits.
Some of them are pretty expensive for frugal-minded people, but others are around $5/person, like this burger bundle.
Or this turkey zucchini burger kit.
And WGG makes a serious effort to keep their meal kits low waste; I’ve been impressed with the ones I’ve seen.
Use code FRUGALGIRL for $10 off your first order.
Get takeout from a local business
Hat tip to my kind friend Angela of Tread Lightly, Retire Early for this idea!
Angela is making it a point to spend some of her money at local takeout restaurants.
Small businesses are hard-hit by the current situation, and Angela is purposely upping her takeout spending right now to help support them.
So.
If you have some financial wiggle room at the moment, consider supporting a local business by ordering takeout.
It’ll help stretch the groceries you have and it can help keep someone’s business afloat.
What other grocery store alternatives would you add to my list?
Share in the comments!
P.S. This is a good time to use cloth towels and washcloths, since paper towels are sold out in a lot of places. Here are 8 ways to keep kitchen towels and washcloths sanitary (and non-stinky!)
Rick says
I realize this is a “hindsight is a wonderful thing” kind of post but these last weeks have made me appreciate making bread at home all the more. I’m a big fan of my bread machine but I have nothing against you hard core peeps who tough it out making bread the old fashioned way. But sorry – a bread machine makes the whole process so easy there’s no reason to not do it that way.
My point is we haven’t had store bought bread in this house in over a year. I didn’t expect my supply of bread flour and yeast to ever turn into “y2k end of the world” emergency rations but I guess they did. And after seeing what has been left in the bread aisle time and again – yeesh! (“Honey do we want the last loaf of smashed Wonder bread? I think some slices are missing.”)
Anyway…
When I checked the pantry as this epidemic mess started and stores were being swamped we already had enough bread flour and yeast to get us through at least another four months. No bread insecurity here – for some time anyway. (Bread flour has become another nearly impossible thing to find in the stores now.)
Ima gonna go hug my bread machine. It’s made having bread in the house a “non grocery store” thing for us for a long time. And it’s turned into an accidental blessing these days.
ERIC D MEYERS says
Good recommendations. We’ve used Hungry Harvest and it was wonderful. Also, helped me to branch out and try cooking with vegetables that I never worked into my diet previously.
Fun Fact: The CEO who started Imperfect produce worked for Hungry Harvest originally. Then told the owner of Hungry harvest that he was going on a vacation to California only to never return.
Molly says
Misfits Market is also like Hungry Harvest and Imperfect Produce! There is also the option to grow some of your own food. I live in the mountains where it is still cold, so I’m just regrowing veggies (like book Chou, romaine, and green onions) while also experimenting with growing microgreens from seed which only takes about 1-2 weeks and makes an excellent addition to curries, stir-fries, and pasta dishes made from pantry ingredients or as a salad on the side. I think Amazon has large bags of microgreen seed mixes.
Laura says
Tried to used your dinnerly link and it said the voucher could not be applied
Kristen says
Hmm. Have you ordered from them before? The code should be embedded in the link, but try putting this code in directly: A3FRGLXGRL10W
I sent an email to my contact at Dinnerly to see if there’s a sitewide issue, and I will let you know as soon as I hear from her!
Annie says
See if your local farmer’s market is still open. The big one here in NYC is open and they have instituted protocols to keep people safe. They are barricading their stands so it is no longer self service. They ask people to line up, keeping 6 feet apart, and when you reach the stand you tell them what you want and they will pick it for you. They are also encouraging the use of credit cards and Venmo to reduce the risk that passing cash around can have.
Mary in VA says
I would also recommend natural food stores and health food stores. In northern Virginia, for example, we have Mom’s Organic Market and The Natural Grocer.
stacy says
Just fyi, Hungry Harvest does have bananas as an Add-On option and I’ve been pleased with the quality!
Kristen says
Oh, that’s funny! I have never thought to look for bananas as an add on.
Connie says
When grocery stores are re-stocked, there is delivery service or drive thru pick up. Also, not the least expensive option but drive thru restaurants…
Food shelves are offering drive thru service also.
Laura says
Think beyond the big box stores. Places like Dollar Tree and Dollar General carry limited amounts of groceries.
It won’t pay off for awhile but depending on where you live now is a great time to start a garden.
Also, if you can get to the store and they have produce, think things with a long shelf life! When I went this weekend bananas were all gone but there were plenty of cabbages.
I will probably start a meal kit service in a week or two just so we can get more fresh produce and variety. We are well stocked with non perishables and want to limit store trips, since people in my house are in the high-risk category. Unfortunately we don’t have any produce delivery services in our area.
MJP says
I’ve been getting vegetable and fruit delivery from Misfits. They have two size boxes, can give delivery every week or every other week, and recently have added the option of choosing what goes into your box. They also have weekly add on choices that include additional produce, grains, coffee, and chocolate! This is also a salvaged type service, foods that would have been tossed because their misshapen or blemished!
Addy says
Just wondered if you are happy with this service? Am thinking about trying it out.
Corrine says
Make you own disinfectant using white vinegar and hot water. Hospitals in my area are turning to vinegar instead of industrial cleaning supplies; research found it kills just as much bacteria And viruses.
Use bar soap instead of liquid soap. Most people have a bunch of bar soap laying around. It works just as good as liquid soap. Washing hands with hot soap and water is much more effective than hand sanitizer.
Rice, beans, flour, dried fruit, sundried tomatoes, and oatmeal go a long way! If you can’t find milk, buy half and half and add water.
Lindsey says
We live in an earthquake zone so always have a lot of food and personal items like toilet paper in our pantry. However, even though we already eat a lot of soups, we have increased the amount so that we are stretching the supplies we do have so they last longer. A big old chicken breast can be stretched into several soup meals, instead of just one. And while we are still in the below zero zone most nights and some days, and there is a ton of snow, so no delicious weeds to forage, I have packs of sprouting seeds to take the place of greens in things like sandwiches. I would rather leave stuff in the stores for people who didn’t think or didn’t have the money to have some food in stock—I know when I was younger and living paycheck to paycheck, I would not have been able to keep a six months worth of food pantry.
Becca says
Three suggestions for fresh produce that I don’t see in the comments yet:
1. Farm shares. Most CSAs are still operating and have produce pick ups outdoors or in environments with few people around.
2. Sprout seeds-easy enough to get instructions as to what you can sprout and how online, and sprouted seeds have excellent nutrient value. They also don’t require any special equipment or much time or space.
3. Forage in your yard or a local area that doesn’t spray poisons. Right now dandelion and violets are two easily identifiable plants that are edible, but there are lots more if you do a bit of research.
Bonus thought: social distancing does not have to mean no socializing. Keep in contact with friends, family and neighbors at a distance or electronically. In our neighborhood, everyone is out walking and checking in with each other to make sure no one is in need. When there is a need, things just show up on porches and door steps. Weathering this storm just takes a bit of rethinking.
kristin @ going country says
Foraging is an excellent one. This was the time of year in the east I used to gather dandelion greens, garlic mustard, and soon, ramps, a kind of wild leek. Here in New Mexico, it’s dandelion greens (I had some in my salad last night) and soon, lamb’s quarters.
I was just joking with my suburban brother that the house known for letting their lawn go to weeds is going to be in the money with all the dandelions growing right now. Just make sure to harvest them before the flower begins to form (otherwise, waaaay too bitter) and wash them really, really well. They are extremely nutritious and kids LOVE to forage. Honestly, they don’t taste as good as commercially grown greens, but they are healthier and fun to gather, and, you know, free.
Kris says
Commenting on getting creative with socializing–my mom’s assisted living isn’t allowing visitors inside (which I fully support!) so today my kids and I stood outside her window and talked to each other on the phone. Everyone thought it was a riot (I think the facility staff questioned our sanity, but I did see them smile).
Mary ~ Reflections Around the Campfire says
Love it – so sweet and creative! Good for you, Kris!
I’ll bet it becomes one of your family’s treasured memories.
WilliamB says
My neighbors may be getting some extras on their porches, as I like to bake breadstuffs when I’m board, but now much can I really eat
K D says
My comment is kind of a tangent, but most of us have food lingering that we just don’t get around to using. Now is a good time to figure out how to use these items. Think outside the box, vary a favorite recipe to use what you have, make soup, frittata, or a casserole to use things up.
This might also be a time to see if a friend or neighbor (keeping your social distance) has extra food/supplies you could borrow from or trade for.
I did go in the local Asian grocery store the other day and it was less crowded than I expected it to be on a Friday afternoon and it was well stocked. I guess people somehow think they’re more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 by shopping there.
Kenzi says
Love this! I now use cloth dinner napkins instead of paper towels and it’s cut our usage considerably. You can make a set in a pinch if you have an old t-shirt!
Kristina says
In our school district, schools are still serving food (breakfast, lunch and snack) at many locations for all kids in the community, even though schools are closed. This is one thing to take opportunity of to stretch supplies at home.
Farhana says
This would be a great time to learn to live with less, yet so many are hoarding to maintain the over/ever consumer lifestyle. The motto should be eat/drink/consume less, not buy so much that others suffer. Imagine the peril of people who can’t afford to stockpile so much, or people with disabilities/ limited mobility :(! Buy what you need, limit what your want. Live simply, so others may simply live!
Ohio Farmwife says
Thank you for making this comment. I have an adult son that’s paralyzed. Finding some of his supplies have been challenging to find. Thankfully, we are good for now. My daughter having trouble finding diapers for her near 2 yr old.
Karin says
Several catering businesses have lost several contracts due to the confinement measures. They have started offering ready meals available for delivery. Almost like meal kits but local and ready to eat. Another way to support local businesses amid the craziness.
Faith says
I own a small restaurant in a small town and we have been hit hard. Thanks for encouraging people to use businesses like ours if they are able to afford it!
Anne says
Hi Kristen, with a lot of our schools being closed, I was wondering if you could make a post on how you structured your day when you homeschooled little ones. I have a preschooler and first grader and want to make sure they continue learning, but I also want to make it fun. Our schools are closed for 2 weeks, but I anticipate they will extend longer than that. What was your daily schedule like? Our schools have also given out worksheets to complete. Any tips on how to keep two kids that are different ages on task? I have a preschooler and first grader and don’t know how to manage their work when they’re going to be asking me questions at the same time.
Jessy says
I was homeschooled and my husband is a school teacher and he has been recommending that parents schedule their day.
Ex. 7-8 a.m. -eat breakfast, get dressed, do a chore
8-10 a.m.-do a worksheet, I would suggest working with one child at a time and give the other an activity (play dough, coloring, legos) to do while you help the other one) also I would suggest you look over the worksheet so you are familiar with it before you do it with your child.
10-11 a.m.-go outside & take a walk; play a game; do yoga (this depends on the weather obviously and you can find resources to help with this, YouTube and educational sites have free resources); also nature study is a good option as well; look at the flowers, bugs, leaves, birds, etc and draw them in a notebook and maybe look up some info about them.
11-12 a.m.-do a chore, like picking up their room, and have them help you set the table for lunch. If you want you can even have them help you with lunch depending on what you are making otherwise, let them play in their rooms or they could watch a quick t.v. show.
12-12:30-lunch time & clean up
12:30-1-read a book together or listen to an audiobook
1-2 p.m.-rest time (this could be a nap, playing quietly in their room, coloring)
2-3 p.m.-educational games (maybe on an iPad or laptop)
3-4 p.m.-outside time or they could play dress up or with legos (again depends on weather)
4-5 p.m. get ready for dinner
5-5:30 p.m.-dinner
5:30-6 p.m.- clean up
6-8 p.m.- free time (this might be a good time for baths and maybe a movie or game as a family)
8 p.m.- bedtime
Obviously you can adjust this to your families likes and how you want to spend your time. Breaks are good and don’t be afraid to switch it up if somethings not working. There are a lot of free resources on educational sites right now and a lot of zoos and museums are offering virtual tours so I would take advantage of that. I hope this is helpful.
Susan says
I can recommend Home Chef as a food kit option as well.
Kristen says
What’s the cooking effort level for that one? Is it similar to Blue Apron? I’ve never looked into that one.
Ameli says
We have local farmers (Louisville, KY) offering delivery options for meat grocefamilyfarm.com I have also had luck with produce at smaller farm stand type stores. I have also heard (not personally seen) that ethnic grocery stores are less ravaged.
Molly says
I don’t know if this is something outside of Michigan but we have a food delivery service called Schwans. Its mostly frozen stuff and it can be pricey but if you are in a pinch maybe its something to consider. They will deliver to your door in a freezer bag so you don’t have to interact.
Heidi Louise says
I haven’t used Schwanns but have seen their info– Be sure to check their website for a coupon on first order, and perhaps senior discount if that applies.
I’ve eaten some food others bought: Pricey but good quality was my impression. In several midwestern states, maybe more.
Marianne says
Stores are wiped out here. I don’t understand the toilet paper deal..but meat, paper products and frozen foods are slim pickins here. There was produce at both Sam’s and Aldi. Everything other than essentials are closed here, no schools, restaurants or bars. I think our government has done a little too little a little too late. Cases in our state has went from 2 cases to 53 in 5 days. Those are just ones who have been tested.
Chris says
What state do you live in?
Carol g says
In greater Boston I get my milk from Crescent Ridge Dairy. I am running short of butter, and I was able to add that to my order. Of course, it’s at a premium price, but worth it to me to eliminate a trip to the grocery. They also carry some produce meat, and of course all the regular dairy products. I am sure there are local dairies like this all over the country. Also helps in supporting a local resource.
KJ says
Another recommendation for checking out the local dairy if you have one. We have two locally here that deliver and will be choosing one today. Ours deliver milk, cheese, yogurt, bread, eggs, juice, butter, local fruit, oatmeal, and more. From what I can see the reps say they are keeping up with orders and accepting new clients. It is definitely a little more expensive approach, but if it fits into your budget it is an easy way to get these items and save other resources like the grocery store stock for those who need it and cannot afford the higher price. And it also supports a local business through this and possibly small farms if the dairy does not actually own the cows themselves. I keep a very well stocked pantry at all times so we’re fine, but it would be really nice to continue to have fresh milk in my coffee if I can as we need to self isolate due to asthma, elderly mother and high risk daughter.
jenny says
Oberweis does dairy delivery in the midwest. I dont know their price points. My local paint art place is offering art kits to go so a good idea if you’re looking to support a small business. Also our largest local food collection for our local pantry was postponed this past weekend. So if you’ve got extra, consider donating.
Carol says
Misfits Market is another produce delivery subscription. I have been happy with it.
Kristen says
Oh! I knew I was forgetting another ugly produce company. Thank you!
Mary G says
I second Misfits Market. We’ve been getting a produce box from them since late November, and I’ve been very happy with the quality and the variety of the produce–and it’s all organic. I’m in southern New England and most of the other produce delivery systems, like Hungry Harvest, are not available in my neck of the woods.
Amy says
Aldi doesn’t seem to be as hard hit here, though I haven’t been out since Friday so that may have changed. Also, the dollar store had hand sanitizer at least a week after all of the other stores were wiped out. The local grocery store is posting regular updates on their stock and the local facebook groups have a lot of updates on the status of various stores. “My” Aldi is directly across the street from Costco and down the street from Sams and while I’ve seen updates for both of the warehouse stores I haven’t seen any from Aldi.
Kristen says
Yeah, Costco seems to have been hit early and hard. I think it’s probably because when you think, “Stock up so you can stay home for a long time.”, Costco is what comes to mind instead of Aldi.
Carol Thomas says
farmstands. Also Asian grocery stores (people have been shunning them)
Kristen says
Aww, that is so sad.
And it seriously makes no sense.
Good tip, though!
Annie says
Yes, I live within walking distance of Chinatown and the stores there are well stocked and not too busy that you can keep some distance while shopping.
kristin @ going country says
I was planting out cabbages and transplanting basil into bigger pots last week and thinking how grateful I am to have a garden. I mean, it doesn’t supply all of our food needs right now, but it gives me a measure of peace to feel some control. It always has, but particularly in situations like this.
It’s not practical for everyone, but I would encourage growing food. Like the victory gardens of WWII, they have a positive effect in more ways than just providing food.
Kristen says
You guys have a really long growing season out there, right? So, do you have harvestable stuff already?
kristin @ going country says
We actually don’t have as long of a season as you would think here, at almost 6000 feet. Our frost days in spring and fall are fairly late and early, respectively, so a lot of plants have trouble with that. What we do have is very strong sun almost year-round, so if we can keep plants from freezing, which we do with things like big tubs or raised beds with old windows over them, then they can grow now. We have harvestable arugula right now, plus radishes and a little lettuce in a couple of weeks I think.
Karen. says
Garden was my suggestion also. Even a planter with a tomato in it is something, though obviously not nutritionally complete.
We’ll plant seeds for eventual transplant as soon as school gets cancelled — am guessing sooner rather than later. (Planting was the plan for the just-ended spring break, but plans, bah. Not good at them.)
WilliamB says
I’m looking forward to further thoughts you have on dealing with a weeks-to-months long diminution of activities.
One thing I’m grateful for is the frugal habit of stocking up when it’s cheaper. This means I have enough toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and soap for the time being. I also have enough flour and sugar to keep baking for a long time.
If you have the resources, please consider paying your people even if they get sick or quarantined and can’t do their usual thing (yard, dusting, hair cuts, etc).
Kristen says
Yes! For those of us who are not facing financial difficulties, this is a good time to mindfully spend to help other people.
Karen. says
We had enough Germ-X left from back to school bulk-purchasing that we were able to share with the church yesterday. I had really been wondering what in the world I was going to do with three giant bottles of it, and I guess (for better or worse) now I know.