Where To Find Fresh Local Food

By Meredith Jones

Has it ever been clearer how important access to food is?

As each of us encounters the reality of difficulty finding food—whether it is the result of arriving to find a series of empty shelves at the grocery store, being unable to leave the house due to current illness or underlying health conditions, we are all being challenged in unprecedented ways. We are fortunate to be assisted in meeting these challenges by a thriving community of local growers and retailers. 

While many well known chain stores are being mobbed and cleaned out of inventory, you may fare better visiting your local, independent grocery who favors food from local producers. 

Home Delivery and Pickup 

Farm Art

Beginning operations in 1972, Farm Art has traditionally supplied area restaurants. This family owned business has recently restructured their operation to provide home delivery to much of Philadelphia, Montgomery & Delaware Counties during the pandemic. They offer a wide range of food, which includes locally sourced produce, a selection of household items, canned goods, pantry essentials and more. There are options for both bulk and moderately sized quantities. The minimum dollar amount for a home delivery is $85.

Online orders can be placed here.

Philly Food Works

Philly Foodworks is a staple in the Philadelphia farming community. They bring together the offerings of a network of local family-run farms. Through this pooling of suppliers they offer an abundance of choices in fresh produce, plus dairy, eggs, seafood, bakery items and  coffee. You can order items a la carte (at a $28 minimum) or subscribe to their CSA and add on as you would like. 

Order/subscribe at phillyfoodworks.com

*As of 04/14/2020 Philly Food Works has established a waiting list for new customers. Sign up with your email address on their website.

Weavers Way Co-op 

Weavers Way has locations in Mount Airy, Ambler and Chestnut Hill. They offer delivery in a 5 mile radius of each store Monday through Friday. During this health crisis, they are waiving delivery fees for any members who are ill or otherwise at risk. Members seeking deliveries at no cost can visit http://weaversway.coop/pages/covid-19-response-updates for deliveries. Beginning the week of March 16, store hours will be reduced to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily in order to accommodate cleaning and stocking needs. Delivery orders for the general public can be placed online at instacart.com/weaversway/

Store Locations: 

• 217 E. Butler Ave. Ambler 

• 559 Carpenter Lane Philadelphia

• 8424 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia

Bodhi Market

Bodhi Market is an online-only local produce delivery subscription serving Philadelphia, parts of the surrounding suburbs and New Jersey. The majority of food that they supply is locally sourced and certified organic, with some seasonal exceptions. Orders are only available as an add-on to a weekly box subscription. 

Sign up at bodhiboxmarket.com *As of 04/14/2020 Bodhi has put a hold on new customer orders, they recommend checking back weekly for updated availability.

Iovine Brothers Produce

A long standing member of the Reading Terminal Market, Iovine Brothers has added a home delivery option in Philadelphia and portions of the suburbs in response to the current need. They stock a wide array of fresh produce, as well as smaller selections of dairy products, snacks and fresh squeezed juice. 

Physical Location at Reading Terminal Market, or order online though mercato.com/shop/iovine-brothers-produce

V Marks The Shop

This compact South Philly Vegan grocery is committed to keeping home deliveries and pickups coming. They offer a range of plant-based products ranging from frozen meals, seitan, local baked goods and vegan cheeses. 

Pick up from the shop at 1515 McKean Street South Philadelphia or order online at: mercato.com/shop/v-marks-the-shop

For On-Site Shopping 

*Please note if you are entering a business in PA, as of 04/19/2020 there is a state mandate in place that you are required to wear a protective face mask.

Kensington Community Food Co-Op

This food co-op stocks a mix of produce, meat, seafood, bakery, wellness, bulk and household items. They are restocking frequently and working to meet the needs of their community and members. 

Located at 2670 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125 (215) 515-7887

Kimberton Whole Foods

Kimberton Whole Foods has a number of locations throughout the Philadelphia Suburbs. Their focus is on responsibly-sourced, minimally-packaged organic and non-GMO products. You can find a good selection of organic produce, canned goods and items meant to accommodate special dietary needs such as gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, raw, vegan, vegetarian and paleo, as well as paper products and natural pet supplies. 

Locations:  150 East Pennsylvania Avenue Downingtown, PA 19335 (610) 873-8225

2140 Kimberton Road Phoenixville, PA 19460 (610) 935-1444

Additional locations and information online at: kimbertonwholefoods.com

Mariposa Food Coop 

Mariposa carries an array of grocery items with the following objective in mind: “The products on our shelves are carefully selected based on quality of ingredients, environmental impact and cost. Our purchasing department makes a concerted effort to carry cooperatively-owned, fairly traded, organic and locally produced products.”With the onset of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)in our area they are operating on the current modified schedule: 

• Open  10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Closed 2 p.m .- 5 p.m. for stocking and sanitizing

• Open from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Located at 4824 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia (215)-729-2121

Mom’s Organic Market

Mom’s stocks an extensive selection of bulk items, organic produce, vegetarian and vegan specialty items, vitamins, supplements, paper goods and prepared foods. 

Mom’s has two area locations: 

Center City- 34 South 11th Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 709-0022

Bryn Mawr- 1149 E. Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 (484) 385-0220

Reading Terminal Market

The Reading Terminal has been designated an essential business during the city’s shut down. Fresh food merchants are  continuing normal operations offering baked goods, meats, cheese, prepared salads and fresh produce. Restaurants/prepared food merchants are take out & delivery only.  Starting on March 17, both sides of Filbert Street will be open to free public loading/unloading for 20 min.

Located at 15 N. 12th Street Philadelphia  (215) 922-2317