Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Need Groceries? How to get groceries in Columbus (and skip the stores)

POSTED BY
Val

Getting groceries these days can be pretty difficult. Even if you can get a pickup or delivery spot when you need it, there will probably be many items out of stock. You can go in the store yourself, but at the risk of exposure and subject to low stock. When you need groceries, you can get creative about how to get groceries from various sources besides grocery stores.

There are several ways you can buy grocery staples to stretch the time between shopping trips or orders. Some of these grocery shopping options in Columbus include hard to find baking items, dairy, bread, produce, meat, and more. You may even be able to get the items with free delivery or pick them up when you’re grabbing some to-go food. Its a great option when you just need a few things and aren’t ready to place a larger grocery order. 

How to get groceries in Columbus and skip the stores

Order direct from local farms!

Farmers markets are probably going to change for this summer, so ordering direct from the farms is the easiest way to ensure that you’ll get fresh produce, dairy, meat, and other products. This also keeps more of the money in the farmers’ pockets so they can continue to invest in providing food for our community. Many farms in Central Ohio are offering direct order for delivery and pickup, or you can join a farm CSA to receive a subscription box of produce or meat weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

Farm delivery and CSA’s in Columbus for local produce, meat, and dairy

Farmers Markets in Columbus

It’s almost farmer market season, and due to restrictions, they will likely have a different format this year. Some farm markets are publishing lists of their vendors so you can contact and order from vendors directly, while others are taking pre-orders for drive-thru pickup. See these articles for options.

Premier ProduceOne in Columbus

Premier ProduceOne has shifted its business model to sell produce directly to consumers – helping to ease the burden on local grocery stores. They are encouraging families to eat healthy, fresh food while social distancing by offering discounted produce boxes. They are normally $35, but are being discounted to $25 to make them more accessible for families. Shop here: you can choose a fruit box, veggie box, and/or donate a box to be delivered to a healthcare hero. 

They also are offering contact-free curbside pickup at 3882 Agler Road Columbus, OH 43219 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12pm – 5pm.

The Chef’s Warehouse

Get restaurant quality food directly from the supplier of the best chef’s in the restaurant business through The Chef’s Warehouse. While they typically only sell to the restaurant industry, they are selling to households during this time. The prices are very competitive compared to grocery stores, with meat packages coming in at as low as $4/lb (for steak, chicken, ground beef, and pork). Fruit and vegetables are very well priced, and dairy is reasonable. You’ll also find high end ingredients such as black truffle sauce, fig spread, fruit purees, and more. Local Delivery in 1-3 business days on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in Columbus. Free delivery for orders over $250. A $35 delivery fee will be added to orders below $250. The Chef’s Warehouse is donating 10% of retail sales profits to the front-line furloughed employees and impacted members of the industry. 

The Table

The Table offers a limited to-go menu, plus lots of grocery items  and beer and wine for curbside pickup. Order must be placed the day before pickup by 4 pm. Grocery items include most baking supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, and bleach.
Email thetable.cmh.events@gmail.com your order. Please include name, phone number & time of pick up. Once you have placed your order a PayPal invoice will be emailed to you. Curb side pick up ONLY 5-7pm on Saturday, call 614.291.4555 when you have pulled up out front. 

Smokey Bones

Smokey Bones locations sell packs up uncooked meat for preparing at home, full uncooked meal kits, and well as grocery staples such as salt/pepper grinders, sugar, butter, eggs, buns, beverages (milk, apple juice) disposable gloves, toilet paper, hickory logs, charcoal logs and more. I was impressed with how reasonable the prices are! These are available curbside pickup, or delivery.

Tremont Goodie Shop

Tremont Goodie Shop in Upper Arlington is offering ingredients for purchase. Availability depends on demand, so call to order. You might as well add some goodies to your order to enjoy before you start baking, or some chicken pot pies to stock your freezer with! They also offer cookie and doughnut decorating kits if you want to get creative, but leave the baking to them!

Panera Grocery

Panera Bread can deliver select groceries from participating cafes. Items include bread, milk, yogurt, cream cheese, fruit, and vegetables. Pickup also available. Might as well grab lunch or dinner while you’re there!

Edible Arrangements

Edible Arrangements is best known for chocolate covered fruit bouquets, but you can order fresh fruit and vegetables from them too! Next day delivery is currently free, and in-store pickup is available.  

Do you know of other alternative ways you can get groceries in Columbus? Leave a comment or email info@columbusonthecheap.com.

Never miss a post from Columbus on the Cheap
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please enter all required fields Click to hide
Correct invalid entries Click to hide
No spam, ever. Promise. Powered by FeedBlitz

Other articles of interest

 

More from my site

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Living on the Cheap

Columbus on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.