Frequently Asked
Delivery Areas
Where do we deliver?
We currently deliver free of charge all the way from Portland, Maine to Central New Jersey. If you are outside the delivery area, we are happy to deliver to a work or friend’s address!
Our Approach
What is regenerative farming?
Regenerative farming is farming the way nature intended—and the way we believe farming should be. At its heart, it’s about working with the land, not against it, to rebuild healthy soil, improve ecosystems, and create food that’s as good for the planet as it is for your plate.
Here’s how it comes to life at Walden: Our farmers use practices like rotational grazing, where cattle and pigs are moved across pastures to naturally fertilize the soil, allowing grass to regenerate and thrive. This isn’t just great for the cows (who are happiest when they’re munching on fresh pasture); it’s also a win for the land, helping it store more carbon and hold onto nutrients. That lush, healthy grass then feeds the animals—and the cycle continues.
For animals like chickens, regenerative farming looks a little different. The crops used to feed them are grown with care, often fertilized by compost or livestock manure, and without the synthetic chemical cocktail that’s standard in industrial farming. Every step is about improving the land instead of depleting it, ensuring a future for both farmers and food lovers alike.
Why does it matter? Because industrial agriculture—the kind that churns out cheap meat by the ton—is destroying our soil, polluting waterways, and pumping out carbon emissions. Regenerative farming flips the script. It rebuilds the soil, nurtures biodiversity, and actively helps combat climate change.
Here’s the catch: It’s rare. Less than 1% of farms in the U.S. are truly regenerative. But at Walden, we’re doubling down. We partner exclusively with farmers committed to these practices and are working to make regenerative farming the rule, not the exception.
Better meat, better soil, better future. That’s regenerative farming. And we’re proud to be leading the charge.
Where do you source your meat from?
Right here on the East Coast, from small-scale, independent farms in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia. These aren’t faceless industrial operations churning out meat by the ton. They’re family farms—real people working the land with care, raising animals the way nature intended.
The common thread? Regenerative practices. These farms prioritize healthy soil, open pastures, and ethical animal care. No crowded feedlots, no shortcuts, no cutting corners—just farming done right.
When you get a Walden share, you’re getting more than just incredible meat. You’re getting the pride of these farmers—their craft, their commitment, their way of life—delivered directly to your door. It’s a connection to the land, to your food, and to a better food system.
This is meat you can feel good about, every step of the way.
What farms do you work with?
We are pleased to partner with over 60 of the best regenerative farms on the East Coast. These farms undergo a rigorous onboarding process to confirm our standards are met, and in the spirit of transparency, we print the name and location of each farmer on every cut label (except in the case of things like bacon, ground beef, and sausages that are made in larger batches). We visit our partner farms regularly and aim to maintain long-term mutually beneficial relationships based on shared values. If you are a farmer and would like to partner with us, please email us at info@waldenlocalmeat.com.
Are you organic?
Not exactly—and we think that’s a good thing. Here’s why:
We go beyond organic in many ways. While organic certification might sound like the gold standard, it’s often out of reach for small-scale farmers. The certification process is expensive, time-consuming, and has been co-opted by factory farming giants who bend the rules to slap an organic label on products that don’t align with the spirit of sustainable farming.
At Walden, we trust our farmers to use common-sense practices to care for their animals and the land—because they’ve been doing it for generations. They pledge not to use pesticides, herbicides, or antibiotics. They embrace rotational grazing, nurture healthy soil, and raise animals as nature intended. And we don’t just take their word for it. We regularly audit our farms to ensure they’re upholding the Walden Way—our own set of rigorous standards that prioritize animal welfare, environmental health, and superior meat quality.
Here’s the kicker: Much of the organic beef you see in grocery stores still comes from cows raised in feedlots, eating organic corn or grain. While that might meet the USDA’s requirements, it’s not even close to what we’d call natural or healthy. Cows are grazers, plain and simple. Grain—organic or not—throws their digestive systems out of whack and produces meat that’s lower in nutrients and packed with unhealthy fats.
Walden beef? It’s 100% grass-fed and finished. No corn, no soy, no grain of any kind—ever. The result is better meat: higher in Omega-3s, lower in saturated fat, and loaded with flavor that factory farms just can’t touch.
So no, we’re not “organic.” We’re something better. It’s farming done right.
What makes Walden different from grocery store meat?
Let’s start with the elephant (or maybe the factory-farmed cow) in the room: grocery store meat comes from a system built to cut costs at the expense of farmers, animals, the environment—and frankly, you. Most of it is raised on massive factory farms, shipped across the country (or the globe), and processed in giant facilities. Big Food works hard to obscure where your food comes from because they know if you saw the truth, you’d put that shrink-wrapped package back on the shelf.
At Walden, we’re rewriting the story. Here’s how:
- A Better System for Farmers: At the grocery store, only $0.15 of every dollar you spend goes back to the farmer. With Walden, it’s $0.55 or more. That means your dollars are directly supporting small-scale, independent farmers who use regenerative practices and care for their animals and the land the right way.
- Exceptional Quality: Factory farming churns out bland, mass-produced meat raised on grains, antibiotics, and stress. Walden meat is pasture-raised, nutrient-dense, and packed with flavor you can actually taste. We even offer unique heirloom cuts you won’t find in any supermarket. Think pork jowls, bavette steaks, or lamb shanks—the kind of cuts chefs love but grocery stores skip.
- Transparency: Every cut in your Walden share is traceable to the local farm it came from. No mystery labels, no middlemen. Just food you can trust.
- Convenience: Skip the crowded aisles and freezer-section guesswork. Walden delivers straight to your door, so you get premium, pasture-raised meat without the hassle of grocery shopping.
Factory farms might own the supermarket shelves, but they don’t own us. The Walden Way is better for farmers, better for animals, better for the planet, and better for you. Because you deserve more than industrialized meat— you deserve meat with integrity.
Is your packaging sustainable?
Absolutely—because better meat deserves better packaging.
We’re committed to minimizing waste and maximizing sustainability every step of the way. Your share arrives in a reusable cooler bag that you simply return to us on your next delivery—no bulky boxes or excessive materials headed to the landfill.
The meat inside is vacuum-sealed in durable, freezer-ready packaging to lock in freshness while reducing food waste. And as for keeping everything frozen? We use dry ice, which naturally dissipates into the air—no messy gel packs to toss.
Sustainability is about more than what’s inside the bag. It’s baked into everything we do.
How is your meat better for the environment?
It’s all about how our farmers work with nature, not against it.
Our partner farms use regenerative practices that go far beyond “sustainable.” By rotationally grazing animals, they naturally fertilize the soil, improve its health, and encourage plant growth, which captures carbon from the atmosphere. In fact, healthy, well-managed pastures can store as much carbon as forests—making pasture-raised farming a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.
Factory farms, on the other hand, are environmental disasters. They rely on chemical fertilizers, pollute waterways with runoff, and churn out massive greenhouse gas emissions. Walden rejects that model entirely.
By sourcing exclusively from local farms on the East Coast, we also cut down on the environmental costs of long-haul transportation. Every mile saved means less fossil fuel burned, and every dollar you spend supports a regional food system that’s healthier for the planet.
Better soil. Healthier ecosystems. A smaller carbon footprint. With Walden, every bite is a step toward a more regenerative future.
Health and dietary needs
What makes your meat healthier?
It all starts with how our animals are raised. When you choose Walden meat, you’re getting food that’s not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients—and without the baggage of factory farming.
Take our 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef as an example:
- More Omega-3s: Studies show that grass-fed beef contains significantly higher levels of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids compared to grain-fed beef. These are the same “good fats” found in foods like salmon and walnuts. (Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35267281/)
- Higher in CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): Grass-fed beef has up to five times more CLA, a healthy fat linked to reduced inflammation and improved immune function. (Source: https://www.stonebarnscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Grassfed_Full_v2.pdf)
- More Vitamins: Grass-fed beef is naturally richer in Vitamin E and beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A), both powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals and support your immune system.
But it’s not just about the beef. Across the board, our meat is better for your health because it’s raised the way nature intended:
- No Pesticides or Herbicides: Our farmers never use chemical pesticides or herbicides on their pastures. You’re getting clean, chemical-free meat—period.
- No Antibiotics or Hormones: Industrial meat is often pumped full of antibiotics and growth hormones to make animals grow faster in stressful, unsanitary conditions. Not here. Our animals are pasture-raised and never treated with antibiotics or hormones, which means you’re not ingesting those, either.
And here’s the kicker: When animals are raised on grass, in open pastures, without shortcuts or chemical crutches, they’re healthier—and that health translates directly to you. With Walden, you’re not just feeding yourself or your family; you’re nourishing them with clean, nutrient-dense, responsibly raised food.
It’s better for the land, better for the animals, and better for you. That’s the Walden difference.
Do you offer family-friendly options?
Yes! Walden is perfect for families of all sizes—whether you’re feeding toddlers, teenagers, or anyone in between.
Our shares include kid-friendly staples like ground beef, chicken drumsticks, and breakfast sausage that even the pickiest eaters will love. Plus, with our Custom Share option, you can exclude cuts your family isn’t into and focus on the ones that work for your crew.
Need something specific for school-night dinners or Sunday roasts? Add it à la carte! And if your family’s needs change—more mouths to feed, a new dietary focus, or a busier schedule—you can adjust your share anytime to keep it simple and stress-free.
I have allergies. Can Walden accommodate them?
Absolutely, yes. We work with members every day to help accommodate a variety of allergies and dietary restrictions, from gluten sensitivities to histamine intolerance and beyond. If there’s something you need, just let us know—we’re here to help you enjoy better meat with peace of mind.
Many of our members join Walden specifically for health reasons, whether it’s eliminating processed foods, seeking clean, nutrient-dense options, or avoiding triggers for specific allergies. While we’re not registered dietitians, our Member Experience Team is happy to help customize your share to suit your needs—or simply chat through your concerns and find the best fit for your situation. Just shoot us an email at members@waldenlocalmeat.com and we’ll take it from there.
Eating better isn’t just about what’s on your plate; it’s about feeling good, too. We’re honored to be part of that journey. Let us know how we can help!
After I defrost the meat, how long can it stay in my refrigerator?
If the vacuum seal of the package is not broken, your meat has a shelf life in a refrigerator of more than 2 weeks. Once you break the seal, you should consume the meat in 3 days if ground, 5 days for cuts and sausages. The best way to defrost is in a bowl of cold water or in your refrigerator overnight; the worst way to defrost would be to use your microwave.
Customizing and managing your account
What size share should I get?
The average person eats 1/2 lbs. of meat per serving. Remember you can always adjust your share weight range from your member page!
Can I customize what’s in my order?
Absolutely! Your share is built around your preferences, so you’re always in control. Here’s how it works:
You decide which proteins you’d like to receive—beef, pork, chicken, lamb (+$10), seafood (+$10)—and we’ll pack your share with a rotating selection of cuts that match your preferences. You can also set dietary restrictions or exclude certain cuts entirely with our Custom Share option, so your share works for your household’s tastes and needs.
Want to keep things simple? Our Just Grind share is exactly what it sounds like—ground meat only. Curious about the variety in our Basics, Complete, or Custom shares? Check out our full product list for a breakdown of what might arrive.
And here’s the best part: You can update your preferences, share size, or protein selections anytime through your preferences page. Whether you’re feeding a growing family, adjusting for seasonal recipes, or just want more (or less) of something, it’s easy to make your share fit your life.
At Walden, our way is your way.
What about seafood? Do you offer that too?
We sure do—and it’s every bit as exceptional as our meat.
Our seafood is 100% wild-caught, sourced straight from the cold, clean waters of the Atlantic. From haddock to swordfish, hake, skate, monkfish, black sea bass, pollock, and more, we bring you a variety of fresh, sustainably harvested options that change with the seasons.
But here’s what makes our seafood truly stand out: transparency. We don’t just know where it came from—we know who caught it, when it was caught, and even which boat brought it into port. That’s because we work directly with local fishermen who share our commitment to sustainability and traceability. No mystery fillets. No farm-raised substitutes. Just honest, traceable seafood that connects you directly to the waters and communities that made it possible.
So yes, we offer seafood—but not just any seafood. This is better seafood, responsibly harvested and locally sourced, brought to you with the same care and trust you expect from Walden.
What if I need to pause, skip, or cancel?
Life happens, and we get it. That’s why we make it easy to adjust your membership whenever you need to.
You can skip a month anytime by selecting the “Skip” or “Makeup Day” option on your member page—just make sure to do so before your share has been packed (we’ll send you a few email reminders ahead of time!). Heading out of town or need a longer break? No problem. Just email us at members@waldenlocalmeat.com, and we’ll put your deliveries on hold until you’re ready to dive back in.
If you’re looking for a more flexible delivery schedule, we also offer every-other-month or every-third-month shares. It’s a great way to keep enjoying better meat at a pace that works for your household.
Want to cancel altogether? We’ll be sad to see you go, but our Member Experience Team is here to help. Just give us a call or email us, and we’ll take care of it. And if you decide to come back, you can restart anytime without having to re-enter your details. You’re in control.
Better meat, no strings attached.
Delivery and billing
How does billing work?
We like to keep things simple and transparent—no surprises, no confusion. Each month, you’re charged only after you’ve finalized your share and any add-ons. You’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for before delivery.
We’ll send reminders ahead of time so you can adjust your share, add something extra (hello, bacon or seafood!), or make changes to fit your month’s needs. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue or just restocking the freezer, we’re here to help you get the most out of every delivery.
Questions about billing or need to tweak something? Our Member Experience Team is always ready to help at members@waldenlocalmeat.com.
How does delivery work?
It’s simple, seamless, and stress-free—because that’s how getting better meat should be. We deliver directly to your door with our own fleet of Walden vans. Delivery is always free, and here’s how it works:
- Pick Your Day: Choose the delivery day that works best for you. We’ll send you reminders ahead of time so you’re always in the loop. Need to adjust? No problem—date changes are easy, and we’re happy to accommodate.
- Cooler Bag with Dry Ice: Your share arrives in a reusable cooler bag packed with dry ice to keep everything frozen, fresh, and ready when you are. And here’s the best part: there’s no need to be home. Your share will stay cold until you’re ready to bring it inside.
- Clear Communication: From scheduling your delivery to letting you know it’s on its way, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Our goal? To make it as convenient as possible for you to enjoy the best pasture-raised, locally sourced meat—without ever having to brave the grocery store. Walden brings better food straight to your doorstep, exactly when you need it.
Do I need to be home when you deliver?
Nope! Everything is packed with a reusable orange dry ice bag when needed, so it will stay cold for several hours on your doorstep. If you do not have a safe drop spot for us to leave your delivery, we would suggest delivering to an office location.
Is it expensive?
We believe meat that costs a few dollars per pound actually costs far more than that… in environmental destruction, the animal’s lack of well-being, and long-term human health. Our prices are honest and offer great value relative to all-natural grocery stores. Our share program includes items that would range from $8 to $35+/lb, and we try to provide a balanced delivery each month to ensure everyone receives some high-value items. We are also offering a very different product from what you see in a grocery store. Our animals are raised on pastures on the East Coast, moved regularly, never fed antibiotics, and have plenty of space to enjoy their lives. They are raised by humans, not machines, on farms that are slowly rebuilding the East Coast’s agricultural heritage. And you can taste the difference!
Why don’t you charge more?
When will I be billed?
Upon signup we will briefly authorize your card to ensure it is valid, then we will remove the hold immediately. We authorize your card for your expected share charge about a week prior to delivery, which gives you time to resolve a billing issue prior to delivery. Your share is then billed when we finalize our delivery routes, about three business days prior to delivery. Please note that add-ons from our monthly specials are generally billed separately. You can find your delivery date on your Next Delivery Page.
Miscellaneous
Do I need a bigger freezer?
Probably not—a 10 lb order is about 1 cubic foot of space, which fits fine in any home refrigerator / freezer (assuming it’s not already full with items that you can’t identify, in which case it’s maybe time for a clean start?). You can also skip anytime if you run out of room.
What about my privacy?
Because we value our own privacy, we value yours too. Here’s our Privacy Policy!
Do you sell gift cards?
We offer gift cards to our Butcher shop in Boston, which can be purchased in store.
Please note: these gift cards cannot be applied to our share program, but send us a message if you’re looking to send a share to a friend!