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:
For Guelph: https://www.gwpoverty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/April-Update-PDF.pdf
For Wellington County: https://www.gwpoverty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FINAL-UPDATE-The-Wellington-County-Food-Access-Guide-2023-1.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.
Note- we currently have a waitlist for Discount, Deep and Deepest discount memberships.
Q: Where do you deliver?
A: Unfortunately we are no longer able to offer delivery as part of Groceries from The SEED. You will be able to select a location for pick up only. Our intention is to add locations in time and get as close to your home as possible.
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 discount (10% off), deep discount (17% off), and deepest discount (33% off) 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: We don’t have delivery as an option available at this time.
Q: What are the order deadlines?
A: Orders must be made by:
- 12 pm on Wednesdays, no matter which pickup location you choose
- You can place an order any day of the week, Wednesday is just the deadline
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 Community Centre – 20 Shelldale Cres. Guelph; Fridays 10am-4pm; just inside the GCHC clinic doors
- Good Food Warehouse – 69 Huron St. Guelph; Tuesdays 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 currently offer two pick up locations on two different days of the week and are working on adding more. 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; Fridays 10am-4pm; just inside the GCHC clinic doors
- Good Food Warehouse- 69 Huron St. Guelph; Tuesday 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.