Where Do You Buy Your Produce and Meat?

I feel the same way and I'm in Kendall too. I'm curious which Publix you're having a problem with because mine is horrible. I can buy fruit in the evening and try to eat first thing the next morning and it's already bad. I've never had this problem with Publix before and I'm not sure if their quality overall has gone down or if it's the Publix I go to in Kendall. Norman Brothers has GREAT produce but it's out of the way for me. I usually try other local supermarkets by my house and they are all fine, it's just Publix I have issues with.

Check out Costco, they have nice looking meat and fish. You will need to join but they have good prices even for gas.

In November, I joined an organic food co-op. It was the best thing that I ever did. It was not nearly as pricey as you would think either. I go every other week and pick up 25 - 35 pounds of fresh organic produce. The produce stays fresh forever!!! The only negative that I can give you is that I never know what I am getting each week. I am adventurous though. It hasn't been a bad thing at all for our family. My kids have really enjoyed trying new things on a regular basis.

I do my pick ups in Homestead. The group is really great. If you want more info, message me. I will be happy to get it to you.

Happy Day -
S. Davis

J.,

I have shopped at Publix for 35 years and only had two problems (both with meat products)which they solved very quickly. Perhaps it is the management of your particular store, maybe you should try a different Publix.

I buy organic meats and produce, very soon the stores will be handling locally grown "Redland Products" or you can buy locally grown products in season as you are near Miami Dade County's Agricultural District the Redland (ask if the farmer is using Best Management Practices or growing organically).
I like Wild Oats store also but it is too far from my home.
And I also keep a planter full of vegetables in the winter
for our use with lettuce, Everglades tomatoes, drawf bell peppers, rosemary, basil, chives,scallions, oregano and many
other things but planting starts in September here and requires daily water.

Storage is another issue that comes to mind as there are special bags that give produce a longer life (a good investment).

Best of Luck,
M.

Hi J.,
I can understand your frustration at the quality of produce and meats that you find at grocery stores. I consider Norman Bros and Gardners to be nothing more than snooty, over rated rip-offs, as what they offer is nothing more than conventional produce which is not very fresh but sold at very high prices. I spend quite some time every year in California and I could cry when I see produce there and remember what it's like in South FLorida. We are cheated out of good, fresh organic and affordable produce here.

Whole Foods has been a blessing, as at least one has a lot more choices of fresh organic produce to choose from. It is also nice that they have a bulletin board where you can request things or write complaints, and as opposed to many other stores in the area, they do read the boards and are attentive to suggestions.

Here is an excellent, although pricey alternative for you. I'm providing you with a link of a company which is in North Miami and they offer everthing fresh and organic plus they home deliver. You do not have to purchase every week but there is a minimum purchase. In either case, it may be worth your while to take a look and see if it fits your needs:

http://www.deliciousorganics.com/index.htm

I shop at Publix... it kind of feels like I am there 5 out of 7 days a week! I do buy produce there and have yet to have an issue. As for the meat... I shop at BJ's. I am a huge believer in buying bulk and the price is good compared to what you get at Publix.