Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? We’ve got answers.

Whether you’re wondering about delivery how-tos, produce sourcing or how to pause your subscription, you’re in the right place. Read on to learn how BrightSide works—and how easy it is to get fresh, local produce delivered to your door.

Do you deliver to my address? 

We deliver anywhere within the 494/694 loop.

Depending on your location, you’ll order through either the Minneapolis (the entire blue shaded area) or St. Paul (green shaded areas) links. 

When are deliveries made?

• St. Paul: Tuesdays between 5-8 p.m.

• Minneapolis: Thursdays between 5-8 p.m.

What comes in a typical produce bundle?

Produce varies by season, but here are some common items you might receive:

Potatoes, onion, garlic, apples, oranges, pears, bananas, bell peppers, carrots, avocado, lemon/lime, tomatoes, pit fruit (peach, plum, nectarines), cherries, kiwi, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, zucchini, lettuce, cucumber, beets, berries, cantaloupes, radishes, winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti), mango, kale, eggplant, cilantro, jalapeño, grapefruit

We pack by value, not a specific number of items. We generally try to balance a more expensive item (berries or avocados) with something less expensive (oranges or potatoes). 

Where does the produce come from?

This really depends on where the produce is going. We move food seven days a week, bringing produce to folks’ homes, neighborhood corner stores, and community health clinics. 

For our Online Farmers Market customers, if you choose a conventional bundle, that produce is coming from a conventional wholesaler. This is also the same vendor that we use for our corner store partners. 

If you choose an organic bundle, we source produce from many different places. Most of our produce comes from Co-op Partners Warehouse, a certified organic wholesale distributor based in St. Paul. They’ve been cooperatively-owned for over 25 years and source from small sustainable farms.

We also work directly with local growers, connections built and maintained through our work with the Linden Hills and MidCity Farmers Markets, including partners like Foxtail Farms and Pleasant Valley Produce. 

When selecting your produce bundle, you can choose among conventional, organic, a mix of both or fully local (summer only)--and we’ll deliver it right to your door!

Can I add extras to my delivery?

Yes! Our Online Farmers Market includes amazing local add-on products you can order one-time or subscribe to weekly/monthly. Options include coffee, free-range eggs, premium mushrooms, and more — just like a real farmers market.

How does payment work?

Your card is charged the morning of your delivery:

• Tuesdays for St. Paul

• Thursday for Minneapolis

This is a weekly subscription, so payments will continue and deliveries will be made weekly until you cancel.  

What is the food justice surcharge and where does the money go? 

The food justice surcharge is a small contribution on top of the cost of produce and delivery for each Online Farmers Market order that allows those who have a little more to help those in our community who have a little less.

The surcharge funds our flagship Healthy Corner Stores program, which brings affordable, fresh produce to Twin Cities neighborhoods in federally-recognized food deserts. Many families in these communities rely on corner stores for groceries, as they lack a larger grocery store, but the small corner stores often can’t afford to stock fresh produce due to high wholesale minimums and costs. Your contribution helps make fresh, healthy food accessible to all.

How can I adjust my preferences?

Just email us at info@brightsidempls.org and let us know your likes, dislikes or allergies. We’ll always tailor your bundle accordingly.

Can I skip weeks if I’m out of town?

It’s easy to skip a week or two! Just make sure you let us know by Friday the week prior.

Just email us at info@brightsidempls.org and let us know the dates you’d like to skip. We can skip both your delivery and your account charges. If you’d like to continue  supporting BrightSide while you’re away, we can let your charges continue to process, but not deliver the produce. 

As always, your support helps us increase access to affordable, healthy foods in Twin Cities neighborhoods without other options. 

How will my Online Farmers Market order be delivered? 

Our default is to text you upon delivery to let you know that it’s outside your door. We’ll leave your produce in a safe spot on your doorstep, so you don't need to be home. The bag should stay fresh for about an hour, but if you’ll be gone longer, consider asking a neighbor to bring it inside. Let us know if you have special instructions for your particular location, and we’ll make it happen. We want to make sure you get your bag! Just email us at info@brightsidempls.org. 

How do I cancel my subscription?

To cancel, log into your BrightSide account and follow the cancellation steps. Your subscription will remain active until you complete this process. Also, you can just email us at info@brightsidempls.org. 

Is the packaging reusable or recyclable?

Yes! Environmental sustainability is a core value of BrightSide Produce, and we pack all produce bundles in compostable or recyclable materials. 

How else can I support you?

There are several ways to support BrightSide’s work, in addition to subscribing to our Online Farmers Market! You can commit to weekly Pay What You Can (PWYC) support. PWYC is a sliding-scale home delivery program where recipients choose a price they can afford (including $0) for a weekly delivery of a large bag of produce valued around $20. This is a grassroots, volunteer-driven and donation-supported initiative. The need is great, and we are only limited by the amount of donations we receive. 

A one-time gift in any amount will support all BrightSide’s programming that expands access to healthy, affordable food in our community. Every contribution helps us grow and reach more families.