I joined Harvest Time International for the reduction in food prices about 2 1/2 years ago. Even though it is an hour from my home, I felt the savings were substantial and it was worth my time and gas.
Much of the food was expired, in fact, at times, I found things that were 3 years past due but for the most part it was recent to about 6 months past.
Last summer, the prices skyrocketed beyond Publix or Walmart. Many customers were commenting about it. When I and another woman spoke to the manager, she was very confrontational and rude. When I showed her dried beans that had holes in them and were quite past the due date that had been returned to the shelf after I asked a staff member to pull it because the likelihood of bugs. She went Postal on me and when I responded in a normal tone stating health concerns, she walked away from me! I was shocked and minutes later I heard her discussing me with a volunteer. I asked to speak with her privately, I told her that her volume, tone and response were in appropriate and she said, "I can't help you. I am busy." Again, she walked away.
Depending on which volunteer, I spoke with, I heard numerous stories about the reason for the price increases. The reasons focused on issues beyond their control to it being a management decision. Who knows?
I have returned 6 months later. The prices have been lowered near previous prices on some items, salad dressings, condiments, cereal, and coffee, sugary snakes but others remain similar to Aldi or Sav A Lot. While some are higher than grocery store's regular retail!
Some of the volunteers are really super. However, it is not worth my drive, gas, or time. I was talking to someone in line and she said the lower prices are found in the Port Orange store and she drives there. That is a two hour drive one way for me. Hardly worth the 4 hour round trip or gas.
They've added cold and frozen foods but some are to big for me to store in my freezer section (if you have a separate floor freezer it would be worth it). Additionally, the items they offer are limited to things like yogurt (one flavor) and 2 or 3 packaged lunch meats, big hams, fish and spinach.
Hopefully, they will return to their former glory. read more