Since 2015, when I moved to Austin, I’ve been using some form of grocery or meal delivery service. At first, it was a convenience — something to save me time during busy weeks. During the pandemic, it became a lifeline. And now, after moving across the country, it has become essential.
When I chose my new apartment, I was very aware of the fact that I was moving to a food desert — an area where residents have limited access to affordable, nutritious food.
According to the USDA, more than 13 million Americans live in food deserts, most often in low-income neighborhoods where grocery stores are scarce or non-existent.
I live downtown in a city, and there is technically a grocery store within reach, but it would require a bus ride (not impossible, but not convenient for big hauls). And without a car, that makes weekly shopping trips a challenge.
Knowing this, I actually contacted Imperfect Foods before I moved to make sure they delivered to my new address. When they confirmed they did, I felt a wave of relief. It meant I could still rely on weekly grocery deliveries, which now make up 100% of my food supply.
In fact, I had my first Imperfect Foods box delivered the day before I even moved in — packed with snacks, peanut butter and jelly fixings, and my favorite drinks (soda water, Olipop, and non-alcoholic wine). That way, even on move-in day, I had a taste of comfort waiting for me.
Over the years, I’ve gone from ordering just a few things each week to now doing all of my shopping through Imperfect Foods.
Their mission to reduce food waste feels good to support, but beyond that, they’ve made my life simpler, more affordable, and — most importantly — they allow me to do something I love: cook meals for myself and nourish my body.
I can sit down at home, browse recipes, and plan my week without worrying about the weather, bus schedules, or safety.
I also can’t leave out Blue Apron, which has evolved so much since I first tried it years ago. What started as a meal kit with recipe cards has expanded to include frozen meals, one-pan dinners (that come with their own disposable pan!), protein packs, and even quick meals with pre-cooked components.
When I moved into my new apartment, I scheduled a Blue Apron box to arrive the very next day. It included a shrimp and rice dish with pre-cooked rice — perfect since I couldn’t find my pot to boil water yet — and a pasta dish with pre-cooked pasta. Those little details made a huge difference after days of living off road-trip snacks.
I’m grateful that these services have adapted to meet real needs. For me, they’ve gone from being a “nice-to-have” to being the foundation of how I eat and live. They help me save time, save money, and give me the freedom to focus on the parts of life that matter most.
As I head into the cozy months ahead, I’m looking forward to making hearty, healthy meals, knowing I’ll always have groceries waiting at my door — and the freedom to choose when and how I venture out.
My Go-To Favorites
Over time, I’ve developed a rhythm with both Imperfect Foods and Blue Apron, and I thought I’d share a few of my favorites — the things that make me excited to open each delivery.
From Imperfect Foods:
🥑 Avocados – I don’t think a week has gone by without at least one landing in my cart. They’re so versatile.
🍎 Seasonal fruit – I always grab whatever I’m craving that week, but apples and oranges are staples because they last the longest.
🌱 Plant-based proteins – My favorite is the Impossible ground “meat,” which I stock up on and freeze for easy pasta nights or taco dinners.
🥫 Pantry staples – The store’s pantry section is gold. I keep rice, beans (canned and dried), nut butter, and pasta on hand for quick, comforting meals.
From Blue Apron:
🍜 Ramen – Their ramen bowls are always rich, flavorful, and something I wouldn’t think to make for myself.
🍕 Creative pizzas – I love when they offer fun twists on pizza night; it feels indulgent and special.
🥗 Unique salads – Their salad recipes always surprise me (my next box has fried feta and kale — I can’t wait). They’re hearty enough to be a meal but interesting enough to keep me inspired in the kitchen.
These aren’t just “favorites” in a casual sense — they’ve become staples that keep me nourished, inspired, and genuinely excited about cooking at home.
Do you use any form of meal or grocery delivery? I’d love to know what you use, and what items you buy!
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