[Mizelenius]

http://www.tcforganics.net/

Does anyone order from here? If so, what do you get?

Also, is there any way to add on items to a pre-made box without getting a whole other box (picky produce or custom)?

Any other info would be helpful-- and if you order from somewhere else, please let me know (though I don't want to be in a CSA).

Thank you!

 

[kkar]

I've heard mixed reviews for Timber Creek, but have never tried them myself.

You might also want to check out Natural Direct - they do the same thing and can order all of the same grocery products for the same prices. You can order items individually each week, or go with their pre-sorted veggie/fruit assortments.

 

[PGTlatte]

I have several friends who used to get Timber Creek and canceled it due to a variety of problems.

 

[Natsuki]

I have used it in the past - it was pretty good. But you should know that the produce isn't strictly local so if you're wanting a CSA type of idea this isn't for you.

 

[maya's mommy]

I have also been a customer on and off for the last few years. I like getting organic produce delivered to my door but the stuff is not local or in season at all. You can add whatever you want to your set box, so that is not a problem.
I cancelled last month after the box came with a whole bunch of mealy apples.
We always got the regular fruit and veggie box.

 

[Firemom]

I used them for about 2 years and stopped due to bad produce and higher prices. i haven't used them for over 2 years now, so I can't say if it is better tha when I cancelled it

 

[Mizelenius]

Ah, sounds too risky.

My sister has http://www.freshpicks.com/cms/ and has nothing but good things to say-- but they aren't in my area yet.

I've looked at Nature Direct-- any reviews on this?

 

[madsommer]

Glad to see this. I was just about to place an order with them next week...though I was getting a bad vibe from the email communication I had with them. I think I'll steer clear now!

 

[wildlavender]

I'm glad this question was asked as well. I've seen their delivery trucks out and about and wondered what their quality was like. Kind of disheartening news, but grateful for the information!

 

[Mizelenius]

Since TC has gotten some not-so-great reviews (though some people have e-mailed me to comment that they are pleased with the service), I contacted www.freshpicks.com They have been willing to work with me to get their service extended out here to Lombard. It's not a sure thing yet, and we'd have to start out with a central drop-off instead of home delivery (they'll do home once you have at least 30 families in the area), but for those of you interested, it's something to consider if you want to get it in your area.

So far, I've been pleased with the response from Fresh Picks. The owner herself has been e-mailing me, and I get a response within hours.

 

[wildlavender]

I went to the freshpicks website and signed up to be notified if they start delivering to Naperville. Maybe there will be enough of us sometime! Thanks for the link!

 

[Amys1st]

I have been getting TCF for over a year and overall, its been great. I get a standard box weekly and milk and eggs. I had a CS rep up until about a week ago when they let her go for whatever reason. But she always was easy to contact and get things fixed. I also just email or leave a message if I need to change something and its usually fine. I have gotten in 53 deliveries, maybe 1-3 bad produce things that they are happy to credit or give another the following week.
Miz- there are several families in Lombard who get TC and the delivery is usually wednesday.

The downside- its not a CSA and not local and sometimes not from the US.

I was in a CSA for a few seasons but last year w the gas prices etc, I didnt want to make the trip to go pick it up, thus the change to delivery from TC. Also I bought from the farmer's market in my neighborhood.

My friend who highly recommended this service gets the picky produce box which is a standing order each week. We purposely get a different box weekly so it forces us to eat different things all the time. You can even get deliveries taylored to your diet, bloodtype, recipes for the week etc.

 

[Thistles_in_Snow]

I had a subscription to TCF for about two years, then took several months off and then started up again. There are pros and con. I haven't had any quality issues, that I recall. The fruits & veggies have all been of excellent quality. However, they are not treated with pesticides and preservatives like grocery store produce, so you do have to eat fast sometimes!

We stopped because I went back to work and didn't have time to cook as much. Also, in the winter it seemed like all we got was cauliflower for a while there!

I've been back with TCF for two months now. I just make sure to vary my order -- we eat more fruits than vegetables, so I order a fruit box or the breakfast foods box (Bluebird).

They deliver to my front porch, which is great and I can change my order, vary the delivery rate, stop a week if I need to, etc. It's great!

I agree that they are not the greatest at communication. I send emails to establish my orders and they are usually not answered. I just have to trust that they've been read -- and so far -- my order hasn't been screwed up! Same with the phone. No one EVER answers the phone. You have to leave a message and they will call you back if you're having a problem. If you're just leaving an order, I don't think they call you back.

So, overall, I would recommend TCF.

Christine

 

[kkar]

We do Natural Direct and from what I understand, they're the same basically as Timber Creek and Fresh Picks. I've been fairly happy with their services and wouldn't hesitate recommending them. They make a big effort in to let you know what is local - esp. Spring/Summer/Fall. I think they deliver to Naperville too.

 

[Mizelenius]

I heard back from Fresh Picks, for those of you were interested and nearby. They said, at this point, their drivers can't work an extra day and hope to expand to this area by June or July.

Quote:

do Natural Direct and from what I understand, they're the same basically as Timber Creek and Fresh Picks. I've been fairly happy with their services and wouldn't hesitate recommending them. They make a big effort in to let you know what is local - esp. Spring/Summer/Fall.

This is very promising. I THOUGHT I heard that TCF doesn't really ever do local, so since ND does, I think I will start with them. Thank you!