Review: Gateway Produce

Advertisements about this grocery store suggest that it offers up fresh produce from nearby farms. That is probably true, except for the imported goods that cater to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern diets. The store also carries expired canned and packaged goods at a very discounted price. It takes some hunting through the boxes to find what you want and a careful look at the actual expiry date. Overall, prices for the seasonal fruits and vegetables are really decent for low budget consumers. The quality of the produce, however, is not at the top tier level (any regional or national chain supermarket); nor are they likely to be organically raised. But, if you're needing to raise a family or you like to buy local, this is the place to go in Vancouver, WA. Save yourself a lot of money and skip the way overpriced food at farmers' markets. You'll have to pick through the fruits, at least, for the usual blemishes, mold, and other unsightly things that come from edibles that can't be sold to the mainstream market. Sturdier vegetables and fruits have a lot less handling damage and bruises, but you still have to do your due diligence in putting the right things into your basket. On a recent visit, here's what I got for $25 (tax incl.): x3 white corn ears, fresh 4 lbs red seedless grapes 1 lb fresh strawberries 1 lb red beets 1 lb fuji apples 1 lb fresh peaches fresh ginger root 1 large green cabbage head 1 lb large white mushrooms x2 green onion bunches x2 15oz cans - Bush's Beans, original baked beans x1 28oz can - Bush's Beans, vegetarian baked beans x1 28oz can - Hunts organic tomatos x2 12oz cans - organic clam chowder soup x2 46oz bottles Juicy Juice 100% juice orange-nectarine x2 boxes - Betty Crocker pound cake mix Address (view map): 2507 NE Andresen Rd # C Vancouver, WA 98661-7359 (360) 693-6258