Pittsburgh food bank's Green Grocer now offers produce delivery service

Green Grocer, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s mobile farmers market, has launched a delivery service.

Normally, the mobile farmers market makes 17 stops in 17 neighborhoods throughout the month. During the winter, however, these markets are often canceled because of cold and snowy weather.

So, from now through March, Green Grocer staff members are running a pilot delivery service to bring fresh produce to customers.

The food can be delivered to a home or public meeting place within designated ZIP codes.

Food prices are competitive, according to the food bank, and oftentimes less than chain grocery stores.

There is no delivery fee.

Orders can be placed online at greengrocerpgh.shop or by calling 412-745-6598 on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Josh Anderegg, the Green Grocer’s mobile market supervisor, said without this new delivery service there would be no other way for the food bank to get fresh fruits and vegetables to the people in neighborhoods without grocery stores.

“If the temperatures get below 25 degrees with the wind chill, it’s a little dangerous to be out on our 8- or 9-hour (delivery) days,” Anderegg said. “Our truck is a converted box truck so getting it out on the hills of Pittsburgh is just not something we can do. This January we probably would have had to cancel half of our markets because of that.”

So, they built a website featuring 30 produce items that people can order. The Green Grocer then makes deliveries each week from Tuesday through Friday.

Anderegg said people love the concept.

“We keep our prices as low as we can,” he said. “People are excited about the idea, especially in the neighborhoods that we visit.

“This is hands down the best job I’ve ever had. It’s very fulfilling. We believe all communities deserve access and choice about what food they eat. It’s something I’m extremely proud of.”