Groceries from The SEED
Q: Who can buy Groceries from The SEED?
A: Everyone! It takes a community to feed a community. When people of all income levels get their Groceries from The SEED, our community becomes a healthier place for everyone. If you are looking for emergency food support, please check out these resources: https://www.gwpoverty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Sept-2020-Food-Access-Guide.pdf
Q: What groceries are available?
A: Our goal is to have a full range of nutritious food products including fresh fruit and vegetables, proteins, dairy and alternatives, grain and alternatives, and pantry items. We also offer delicious, nutritious pre-made Frozen meals from our Upcycle Kitchen.
We are still building our store by adding more items regularly, and are always looking for suggestions on what to source next!
Q: Where do your products come from?
A: Our products come from many sources, including suppliers and local farmers. Some of our favourite items are frozen meals and products from The SEED’s own Upcycle Kitchen, and local produce grown at Everdale Farm through the Good Food Project.
Q: How do I shop?
A: To shop for groceries at regular retail price and directly help others, visit www.theseedguelph.ca/grocery-store.
To sign up for a Discount Membership, visit www.theseedguelph.ca/groceries, then click on “Sign up for a Discount Membership” and fill out the form. Note- we currently have a waitlist for Deep and Deepest Discount memberships.
Q: Where do you deliver?
A: We currently deliver to households in:
- City of Guelph- Tuesdays and Fridays
- Centre Wellington (Fergus, Elora, Belwood and surrounding areas)- Tuesdays only
- Guelph-Eramosa (Rockwood, Eden Mills, Ariss, and surrounding areas)- Tuesdays only
Other households in Wellington County can sign up too- we need more households in Puslinch, Erin, Minto, Mapleton and Wellington North to sign up, so we can begin delivering to these areas!
Q: What happens once I sign up for a Discount Membership?
A: It takes up to 48 hours for our team to process a sign up. If we have a membership available for you, you will be emailed your login information within two business days. Unfortunately, we have a waitlist for Deepest Discount and Deep Discount memberships (we need more Retail-price sales to offset the cost). If you sign up for one of these memberships, you will receive an email letting you know you have been added to a waitlist.
Q: I signed up for a Discount Membership and now I’m on a waitlist. How long will I be on the waitlist?
A: We apologize that placing people on a waitlist is necessary. At The SEED, we believe that everyone should have access to good food, and everyone is a valued member of our community. Your Membership will be activated as soon as we have more Retail-paying members shopping with us. We are doing our best to grow this number quickly.
Q: What are your delivery options?
A: Our options are:
- Tuesdays: Guelph, Guelph-Eramosa, and Centre Wellington
- Fridays: Guelph only.
- Scheduled pick-ups at our warehouse, 69 Huron St, on Tuesdays 4-6pm and Fridays 3-5pm.
Delivery is free of charge, as we are trying to break down barriers to healthy food. Contributions via donation are appreciated.
Q: What are the order deadlines?
A: Orders must be made by:
- 12 pm on Mondays to be delivered the next day (Tuesday).
- 12 pm on Thursdays to be delivered the next day (Friday).
Q: When will my food be delivered, and how will you notify me?
A: We will provide you with a 2-3 hour delivery window the day before your delivery, via email. Although we do our best to ensure your food is delivered within that window, we cannot guarantee specific times. Automated text messages and/or calls from Delivery Drivers will keep you informed on the day of your delivery.
Q: Does someone need to be home to receive the order?
A: No! Our deliveries generally fall between 11:30am-6:00pm on Tuesdays and Fridays. You can leave specific delivery notes for the driver regarding what to do if you are not home such as “please leave on the porch” or “please deliver to back door”.
If you live in an apartment building and the driver is not able to enter, the delivery will be brought back to the warehouse and will be available for pickup there.
Q: How can I pay?
A: We currently accept the following forms of payment:
- Credit card
- Pre-paid Visa gift cards (can be purchased at any retail location)
- Visa Debit cards (Interac offered by banks like TD)
- Cash and debit cards IN PERSON ONLY.
For in-person customer service or to use one of our computers to order, you can go to:
- Shelldale Family Gateway- 20 Shelldale Cres. Guelph; Wednesdays 10am-4pm; just inside the GCHC clinic doors
- Good Food Warehouse- 69 Huron St. Guelph; Fridays 10am-4pm, front desk
We know that these forms of payment don’t work for all community members, especially those experiencing low income and financial challenges. We are working on offering more options in the coming months, including cash and cheque.
Once we receive your order, you will be emailed an electronic receipt of your purchase.
Q: How often do I need to order?
A: It is completely up to you! We are currently able to deliver two days per week. You choose how much and how often you shop.
Q: I don’t have email or internet. How can I shop at Groceries from The SEED?
A: We can accept orders by phone or in person! We mail a seasonal (quarterly) price list to households that do not have internet access or for those that would prefer to not use the computer. Once you receive the price list, you can call our Customer Service phone line and we can place an order for you over the phone.
For in-person customer service or to use one of our computers to order, you can go to:
- Shelldale Family Gateway- 20 Shelldale Cres. Guelph; Wednesdays 10am-4pm; just inside the GCHC clinic doors
- Good Food Warehouse- 69 Huron St. Guelph; Fridays 10am-4pm, front desk
Q: What are my options if I can’t afford your Deepest Discounts?
A: The SEED’s goal is for Guelph-Wellington to become the first community in Canada where everyone has access to nutritious food. We know Groceries from The SEED is not a viable service for everyone, but we currently are unable to provide deeper discounts. We do offer a limited number of free products to Deepest Discount members, as they are available.
Click here for a list of Emergency Food Providers in Guelph-Wellington. We can also add your name to a list, and down the road you will be contacted if we have food available.
Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions?
A: Our Customer Service line is available Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm. If no one picks up, make sure to leave a voicemail and someone will get back to you as soon as possible, 519-821-6638 ext 396 or by email groceries@theseedguelph.ca We are one call or email away for support with your groceries, deliveries, or to help you troubleshoot tech issues.