Where Do You Buy Your Produce and Meat?

Updated on March 20, 2008
J.R. asks from Miami, FL
6 answers

Do most of you buy meat and produce at Publix? Are you happy with Whole Foods, Gardners or Norman Bros, if you shop there? I'm giving up on Publix. It seems that the produce is not as good and that it goes bad very quickly. I really don't have time to go back and complain and ask for a refund each week (especially because it's usually only $5 or so). But, it bothers me - especially throwing away $5 each week! I've returned packages of fresh chicken (which were NOT expired) because they were bad. They told me that they receive the meat already packaged -- even the produce comes pre-packaged in those trays/wrap.

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So What Happened?

Thank you so much to everyone who took time to respond to my request! This is what I ended up doing. I signed up for an organic co-op and have been thrilled with how fresh and delicious everything is. It made me realize how much fresher produce is that is grown locally. I plan to look into more local sources. I also have started shopping at the larger Publix stores and their selection of meat and produce is much better and the organic section is much larger. I haven't made it to Whole Foods (Wild Oats) yet, but if I pass by there, I will stop in and check it out.

More Answers

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C.V.

answers from Miami on

I feel the same way and I'm in Kendall too. I'm curious which Publix you're having a problem with because mine is horrible. I can buy fruit in the evening and try to eat first thing the next morning and it's already bad. I've never had this problem with Publix before and I'm not sure if their quality overall has gone down or if it's the Publix I go to in Kendall. Norman Brothers has GREAT produce but it's out of the way for me. I usually try other local supermarkets by my house and they are all fine, it's just Publix I have issues with.

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D.S.

answers from Miami on

Check out Costco, they have nice looking meat and fish. You will need to join but they have good prices even for gas.

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S.D.

answers from Miami on

In November, I joined an organic food co-op. It was the best thing that I ever did. It was not nearly as pricey as you would think either. I go every other week and pick up 25 - 35 pounds of fresh organic produce. The produce stays fresh forever!!! The only negative that I can give you is that I never know what I am getting each week. I am adventurous though. It hasn't been a bad thing at all for our family. My kids have really enjoyed trying new things on a regular basis.

I do my pick ups in Homestead. The group is really great. If you want more info, message me. I will be happy to get it to you.

Happy Day -
S. Davis

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M.B.

answers from Miami on

J.,

I have shopped at Publix for 35 years and only had two problems (both with meat products)which they solved very quickly. Perhaps it is the management of your particular store, maybe you should try a different Publix.

I buy organic meats and produce, very soon the stores will be handling locally grown "Redland Products" or you can buy locally grown products in season as you are near Miami Dade County's Agricultural District the Redland (ask if the farmer is using Best Management Practices or growing organically).
I like Wild Oats store also but it is too far from my home.
And I also keep a planter full of vegetables in the winter
for our use with lettuce, Everglades tomatoes, drawf bell peppers, rosemary, basil, chives,scallions, oregano and many
other things but planting starts in September here and requires daily water.

Storage is another issue that comes to mind as there are special bags that give produce a longer life (a good investment).

Best of Luck,
M.

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A.P.

answers from Miami on

Hi J.,
I can understand your frustration at the quality of produce and meats that you find at grocery stores. I consider Norman Bros and Gardners to be nothing more than snooty, over rated rip-offs, as what they offer is nothing more than conventional produce which is not very fresh but sold at very high prices. I spend quite some time every year in California and I could cry when I see produce there and remember what it's like in South FLorida. We are cheated out of good, fresh organic and affordable produce here.

Whole Foods has been a blessing, as at least one has a lot more choices of fresh organic produce to choose from. It is also nice that they have a bulletin board where you can request things or write complaints, and as opposed to many other stores in the area, they do read the boards and are attentive to suggestions.

Here is an excellent, although pricey alternative for you. I'm providing you with a link of a company which is in North Miami and they offer everthing fresh and organic plus they home deliver. You do not have to purchase every week but there is a minimum purchase. In either case, it may be worth your while to take a look and see if it fits your needs:

http://www.deliciousorganics.com/index.htm

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J.D.

answers from Miami on

I shop at Publix... it kind of feels like I am there 5 out of 7 days a week! I do buy produce there and have yet to have an issue. As for the meat... I shop at BJ's. I am a huge believer in buying bulk and the price is good compared to what you get at Publix.

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