With the country celebrating the move to alert level 3 of the COVID-19 lockdown, it's fair to say we definitely have some more freedoms than before. But for many of us, anxieties around heading out into the queues and crowds of supermarkets remain.
Luckily some local companies have come up with initiatives for delivering groceries right to your doorstep, meaning you don't even need to leave the couch - except maybe to go pick up a flat white.
Here are some of our favourites:
Service Foods Home
This family-owned Kiwi company historically supplied cafes and restaurants across the country. But with the impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, Service Foods adapted with their new online supermarket that sells direct to consumers. The online offering is easy to navigate and has a good range of fresh fruit and vegetables, butcher quality meat and pantry staples. You can either make up your own delivery or just select their pre-made fruit and veg boxes, which come in medium or large. I am a massive fan of this company - the food is always beautifully packaged and their offering is extensive. My picks are the Blue Frog granola and Food Snob halloumi.
Plant Projects boxes
If you're missing your boutique weekend food shop, this one's for you. Plant Projects has launched a 'collective' delivery box stocked with their Otis Oat Milk, Happy Boy soy and almond milk, Fresh Connection produce, Wild Wheat bread and Flight coffee. The boxes are aimed at those living a plant-based lifestyle, but you definitely don't need to be vegan to enjoy - the healthy offerings are a perfect pick-me-up for anyone who's been indulging a little too much over level 4. Currently, the produce is wrapped in plastic to solve handling issues; but I've been assured this is a short-term measure for during the COVID-19 pandemic. The best part? The company promises to plant a tree for every box shipped! Boxes are designed to feed a family of four and cost between $70 to $150.
Nourish Kitchen box
Are you not exactly what you'd call a 'home chef' but wanting to whip up something a little bit fancy? Kiwi hospitality group Nourish Group, led by Auckland chef Gareth Stewart, has launched My Nourish Kitchen. These gourmet food boxes have the ingredients to create signature dishes from four of its most recognisable restaurants: Soul, Euro, Jervois Steak House and Andiamo. All ingredients are perfectly portioned and measured, so there's no hassle (and no waste), and each dish also comes with a clear step-by-step guide. We whipped up a Jervois-worthy scotch fillet in our own kitchen - what a treat! This one would make a great gift for anyone you know celebrating a special occasion in lockdown, like a birthday or an anniversary. Prices start at $175 for a four night food box.
