As temperatures climb across the city, more New Yorkers are turning to meal kits to avoid overheated kitchens and crowded grocery stores. On Monday morning in Astoria, a Green Chef delivery arrived outside a fourth-floor walk-up. The box, bearing USDA organic certification, offered pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for three dinners.
A Queens resident who tried the service last week said the appeal was in the simplicity. "I spent less time chopping and more time outside," she said. The Green Chef kit featured dishes such as lemon-garlic chicken and roasted sweet potatoes. Each meal took about 30 minutes to prepare, according to the instructions.
Green Chef operates nationally, but its presence has grown locally. Delivery drivers reported an uptick in orders in Brooklyn and Manhattan during late May, especially before Memorial Day weekend. One driver noted a spike on Thursday evenings, just before the heatwave began.
Meal kits remain more expensive than buying groceries, with Green Chef meals averaging about $12 per serving. Still, some city residents say the cost is offset by the convenience and the ability to avoid crowded stores. With another hot week ahead, meal kits may continue to replace takeout for many looking to eat at home without the hassle.