Albert & Eve is dedicated to helping small-farm businesses while providing the freshest organic produce, delivered to your doorstep.

Their wonderful selection of produce, great customer service, and desire to give back are what inspired me to begin a subscription three months ago.

Since then, my family has been eating healthier by incorporating fresh greens and fruits into each meal daily and snacking on all the unique produce nature has to offer.

Drop-off is a breeze (we get a big brown bag every week with no delivery charge) and affordable (we get to personalize our order according to the number of people we specify). More importantly, we know where our food comes from and we know that we are helping a great cause.

Dublin Patch interviewed Brandon Tomlinson of Albert & Eve Organics on the benefits of a veggie subsciption.

Patch: Please describe your role with Albert & Eve. 

Tomlinson: The bulk of my time and effort are devoted to the day to day operations of Albert and Eve, including overseeing our warehouse operations and personnel, coordinating our delivery routes and drivers, and working closely with our partner farm in selecting the fruit and veggies we offer our members each week. 

Patch: How long has Albert & Eve been delivering fresh organic produce to residents here in the Bay Area? 

Tomlinson: We have been delivering to our members for the past three years.

Patch: Besides organic produce, what other items does A&E provide?

Tomlinson: We have begun to offer carefully selected, all organic, locally produced artisan products such as nut butters (Almond and very soon , Cashew Butter) honey, jams, coffee, and olive oil. With the expanded capabilities of a new website we plan to offer local organic rice and grains, tofu, chocolate, nuts and dried fruits, as well as happy hen eggs and cheeses. The idea is to bring the best of local farmers markets to our members' doorsteps.

Patch: What is the main reason people choose A&E to deliver their fresh produce?

Tomlinson: Every week we demonstrate our commitment to bringing the freshest local farm organic produce at affordable prices, allowing our members to choose from a list of fruits and veggies, and delivering right to their doorstep. We do our utmost to provide the very best customer service. 

Patch: What is the selection process for the goods you choose weekly to be delivered?

Tomlinson: We have a long-term commitment to source 80 percent or more of our produce from the Agricultural Land Based Association (ALBA), a small-farm business incubator helping farm workers and other low-income individuals to create their own farm businesses. ALBA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that runs two farms in Salinas and Chular.

Each Thursday, I work with Tony Serrano at ALBA Organics, choosing four fruit types and six veggie types that are ripe and ready for harvest. We then add those fruits and veggies to our website, sending an e-mail out to our members letting them know they have until Sunday to choose - then we deliver their choices that week. Most of our produce is delivered to our members' doorsteps within three to four days of being harvested at the farm or orchard.

Patch: What organizations or causes does A&E Support?

Tomlinson: We support ALBA, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and small farm incubator that teaches low income individuals and farm workers how to farm organically - assisting them in starting their own organic farms. More than 20 local organic farms have had their start in the ALBA program. 

Albert and Eve is a small family operation with a strong dedication to making organic living practical and affordable. We are currently in the testing phase of a program for members to nominate a family in need to receive a free delivery of organic produce extras that the farms send each week. This will reduce our waste and benefit families in our community. Currently we donate our leftover produce to St. Anthony's and the San Francisco Food Bank on a weekly basis.

Patch: If you could tell us one thing you love about A&E what would it be? 

Tomlinson: I love being a part of connecting the Bay Area community with the local farms and producers of organics. I am excited to be working on new ways to bring local farms and the community together.

Patch: Where does A&E deliver? 

Tomlinson: We deliver to the entire Bay Area, with the exception of Marin County. We have members from San Francisco to South San Jose, from Pacifica east to Antioch.

Patch: Who delivers the goods to residents? 

Tomlinson: We are a small company and all Albert and Eve employees wear many hats. Myself, Nigel Washington, and Maggie Jacoby all share delivery duties. We find a great deal of value in the face-to-face contact that happens while performing deliveries. Our members will all tell you we are the friendliest delivery staff with the biggest smiles.

Patch: Does A&E plan to expand to other regions? 

Tomlinson: We have no plans to expand beyond the greater Bay Area. We plan to keep it local and simple, focusing entirely on bringing the best local organics to our members' doorsteps.

Additional Information:

Attached to each delivery with Albert & Eve, you will receive your packing slip and on the back (they save trees too) you will find delectable recipes (tried and true) based on what you order. When you're done unpacking your delivery, don't forget to leave your bags at the door - they reuse them.

Their delivery schedule is according to your area. You can find out more on how to join, or about delivery days in your city, by visiting their website and joining their Facebook page. Their blog, Musings from a Hedgegrow, also features some great recipes.