This is a challenging time for everyone in Australia, with restrictions being placed on travel and social gatherings. The news has been dominated by stories of panic buying and stores running out of stock (toilet paper?!). I wanted to round up all the news from the major food delivery chains so you’re informed about what’s currently happening in this industry.
The good news is that Coronavirus is exceptionally unlikely to transfer through food, so it is safe to continue eating Food Boxes. In fact, these are a fantastic way of reducing the need for physical/social contact making Food Boxes the perfect survival kit for those who need to self-isolate.
This article will continue to be updated based on any updates from Australian a Food Box companies (last updated Thursday 19th)
HelloFresh
IMPORTANT UPDATE 19/03 – Due to exceptionally high demand, HelloFresh are not currently taking any new online orders! If you try and purchase, you will see the following error:
Hi! We’ve been seeing high interest in our service and the teams are working very hard on getting everybody’s box ready on time. We are doing our best to adapt to the situation but are still in the process of scaling up our operations. Unfortunately we can’t process your order at the moment. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
HelloFresh Website
For all existing customers, there is little to no risk of your order being cancelled. Please continue with the expectation that your box will be delivered.
Marley Spoon & Dinnerly
These two Meal Kit providers are owned by the same company and therefore sent out identical updates on how their Meal Kits are being prepared. This is summarised as follows:
- Food and Employee Safety – They have Food Safety and Quality Assurance experts on site at their food preparation facilities and are reinforcing stringent sanitation and hygiene procedures.
- Delivery Direct to Your Door – They are working closely with partner carriers to ensure all deliveries arrive safe, sealed and direct to your door.
- Uninterrupted Service – They are carrying additional stock to ensure they can continue to operate, including ingredient substitutions where necessary.
Pepper Leaf
Pepper Leaf are offering an exceptionally generous 20% discount on their boxes for any older or vulnerable customers. This is a very welcome and kind offer from the team over at Pepper Leaf who will need to work extra hard to deliver these meals without making a profit. You can find more information on their website.
Clearly, we are all in a difficult position but please do only claim this discount if you or a family member are elderly or vulnerable.
Thomas Farms Kitchen
Thomas Farms Kitchen have recently confirmed in Facebook that they continue to have a strong supply of meats. Anyone who is struggling to find food in their local supermarket or don’t wish to leave the house can purchase meat and fresh produce from their store. There are no current discounts.
Macros
Macros have published the following statements:
- They follow the highest ‘Therapeutic Goods Administration’ standards and make their meals only with ingredients from Australian suppliers who must follow strict sanitation practises.
- Every employee is invited to regular group training on sanitation, plus they must have their temperature taken before entering any production facilities. Any member of staff displaying any signs of illness are not permitted to enter the premises.
My Muscle Chef
My Muscle Chef have implemented additional health screening processes at their kitchens, that are HACCP accredited all the way from farm to fridge. If you are concerned about delivery contact, please use their midnight-7am delivery slot.
BeFitFood, Lite n’ Easy, Youfoodz
All these companies have confirmed their keen attention to hygiene when producing meals as well as working with their delivery service to meet ‘social distancing’ guidelines.
Gourmet Dinner Service, Dietlicious
Both companies are owned by the same parent organisation and delivered the same statement. They are both currently experiencing higher than usual demand and therefore deliveries may take a little longer to arrive.
They are running additional shifts to meet demand, however some products will naturally run out of stock. If this happens, they will reach out to you and discuss substitutions.
All their kitchens meet HACCP standards and they have introduced additional precautions across all kitchens, offices and delivery vehicles.
