Where to shop and order groceries during COVID-19
COVID-19 has turned daily life upside down since it started spreading across the world. I personally believe the only way we can mitigate the spread of the virus and keep our friends and families safe is to shelter in place and to only go out when it is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, this is why I have temporarily discontinued my in-home personal chef services in Los Angeles. At the same time it’s extremely important to be able to feed ourselves with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and proteins.
Since I can’t be grocery shopping for you and cooking in your home, I’d love to share some local to Los Angeles and national resources for getting healthy produce, proteins, and pantry items. I wrote the list in the context of places that offered easy pick up and/or delivery, were small businesses that are a wonderful thing to support right now, and would limit your time spent in line exposing yourself to others at conventional grocery stores.
If you’re at a loss as to what to do with all these delicious groceries, feel free to reach out. I am offering online cooking classes for both individuals and groups that are tailored to things you want to learn, whether it’s how to roast a chicken, make the perfect spanakopita, or an easy weeknight stir fry.
Finally, I know we’re all eager to get back to normal. But unfortunately, this virus doesn’t follow timelines, and spreads rampantly and indiscriminately. Please keep yourselves and your family safe by mitigating the spread of this by staying home. We can all fight this together.
Los Angeles
Some farmers markets are still operating including: Hollywood, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and Pasadena. These markets have new measures in place for social distancing, which includes everything from how many people are admitted at once, how you get your produce, etc. Please check out their websites/social media for specifics.
The Garden Of
A favorite farmer of mine is offering boxes for pickup at some LA-area farmers markets. Pre-order through instructions on their instagram account.
Melissa’s Produce
The largest nation-wide produce distributor is offering a large variety of fresh fruit and vegetable (many organic options as well) boxes, in addition to three new pantry boxes. All have free delivery in Southern California.
J&J Distributors
Jeff Bovon offers top quality meats and fish options for pickup in downtown Los Angeles. Contact him/check out his facebook page for options.
Dopolavoro Market
This market adjacent to Terroni Restaurant in downtown LA, offering imported Italian food products like meats, cheeses, and a variety of pantry staples, fresh choices, and hard to find items like flour. You can also pick up pizza and pasta making kits, along with takeout from Terroni.
Eataly
The Italian market inside Westfield Century City offers Italian pantry staples and a full fresh selection of meats, produce, and fish. They offer local pickup and delivery.
Santa Monica Seafood
Call for in-store shopping and new delivery options.
EaterLA has a great list of restaurant wholesalers that are selling to the public. You can find it HERE
Los Angeles Restaurant General Stores
HERE is an extensive list of LA area restaurants that are offering necessities
National
Global Gardens
Theo is personally packing up her exceptional olive oils, vinegars, and other yummy products and sending them to you. The olive oil she makes is full of healthy antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to your immune system and general health at anytime.
Melissa’s Produce
Melissa’s Produce has three new pantry boxes that ship for free nation-wide. They have a few of my favorite items like Dutch Yellow Potatoes, Clean Snax, Steamed Baby Beets, Steamed Lentils, Sun Dried Tomato Polenta, and more. All the ingredients in these boxes make getting a meal on your table pretty effortless.
Flannery Beef
One of my absolute favorite butchers. They are family owned and offer a great selection of steaks and lamb. My go-to splurge during holidays and other special occasions.
Imperfect Foods
Fresh produce, eggs, and some pantry items to many states nation-wide.
Farmbox Direct
Fresh fruit and veggies delivered to you.
Zelos Authentic Greek Artisan
I absolutely love the curated selection of artisanal Greek products like pastas, sauces, herbs, and teas, that Zelos offers. Use code STAYHOME for 20% off four items to help you stock up during the pandemic.
Goldbelly
Food and meal kits from local restaurants delivered to you.
Bon Appetit magazine
THIS is a great list from Bon Appetit with places you can buy pantry staples