Frequently Asked Questions

All of our meat comes directly from family-run farms across the Midwest that are located within 300 miles of Chicago. We partner only with independent farmers who share our general standards and food standards.

Yes. Our animals spend most of their lives outdoors with access to pasture, fresh air, and sunlight. They are never confined to crates, cages, or feedlots.

No growth promotants are ever used in our animals, which means no hormones, steroids, or ractopamine. Animals are also never given routine antibiotics. If an animal gets sick, the animal is treated responsibly under veterinary care and strict USDA withdrawal times are followed to ensure no residues enters the food supply.

We focus on heritage and slow-growing breeds that thrive in pasture-based systems and produce flavorful, high-quality meat. These breeds are chosen for taste and animal welfare, not industrial efficiency.

It means we make use of every part of the animal. By including roasts, ground meat, ribs, soup bones, and specialty cuts, we reduce waste, support sustainable farming, and honor the animals our farmers raise.

Each Pasture Box contains a rotating selection of cuts based on our whole-animal commitment. That means you might receive a mix of steaks, roasts, ground meat, ribs, or bones for broth, depending on the size of your box and your preferences.

Yes. You can choose your box size, select your preferred proteins, and indicate preferred partner farms when building your Pasture Box. Specific cuts are thoughtfully selected and curated by our team based on seasonal availability and balance. If you’d like to choose your exact cuts, we recommend building a Custom Box instead.

At this time, we are offering subscriptions only. This model allows us to plan responsibly with our partner farms, reduce waste, and ensure consistent availability and quality for our members. Certain items may be added on to both Pasture Boxes and Custom Boxes as one-time add-ons, and these selections can be adjusted for each delivery.

We offer multiple sizes to fit your household. Each box lists the approximate pounds of meat included, which typically covers anywhere from a few meals to a full month’s supply depending on the size you choose.

Not exactly. Because we follow a whole-animal approach, boxes rotate by season and availability. You’ll always get a balance of premium cuts, everyday staples, and variety, but no two boxes are exactly the same.

Yes. You can manage everything from your account portal including pausing, skipping a delivery, or cancelling anytime with no penalties.

You can choose every 2, 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Your frequency can be changed anytime.

You are charged on the order date for each upcoming delivery. We’ll send a reminder before each renewal.

Yes. You can adjust box size, protein mix, or add-ons before each renewal in your account portal

Log in to your account portal to update your card, billing info, or delivery address. The changes you make will apply to future orders.

We currently deliver across Chicago and nearby neighborhoods. Enter your zip code at the top of the page to confirm availability.

Deliveries are made every two weeks on set days. You’ll see your delivery date at checkout and in your account portal.

No. Orders are packed in insulated, reusable bags that keep your meat cold for several hours. You’ll get a notification when your delivery arrives.

Delivery is free on orders over $75. For smaller orders under $75, a delivery fee of $10 applies at checkout.

Typically, no. Deliveries are completed by a trusted local third-party courier service that specializes in local routes. In some cases, a member of the Local Pastures team may step in to ensure deliveries are completed smoothly.

All meat is vacuum-sealed or paper wrapped, frozen at peak freshness, and then delivered in insulated bags. This ensures your order stays safe and fresh until you can refrigerate or freeze it.

Yes. Paper-wrapped meat is a long-standing, industry-standard method used by trusted processors. It protects the meat during freezing and storage and is commonly used by local butcher shops. Vacuum sealing provides a tighter seal and longer freezer life, but both methods are safe and effective when handled and frozen properly. We use the packaging method that best fits each cut and processor.

Shelf Life:

• Vacuum-sealed packaging: Typically 12 to 24 months when kept frozen at 0°F or below. Vacuum sealing removes air, which helps prevent freezer burn and helps preserve quality for longer storage.
• Paper-wrapped packaging: Typically 6 to 12 months when kept frozen at 0°F or below. Paper wrapping is a long-standing, industry-standard method used by butcher shops. Freezer life depends on how tightly the meat is wrapped and how consistently it stays frozen.

Yes. All meat is vacuum sealed or paper wrapped at the processor, then delivered in insulated, reusable bags. Most packaging materials are recyclable, and our insulated delivery bags are designed to be returned and reused whenever possible. For food safety reasons, the primary packaging that the meat comes in should not be reused.

Simply leave your empty bag and ice pack out on your next delivery day. Our driver will pick it up when dropping off your new order.

No problem. You can return it with your next delivery. We encourage returns to reduce waste and keep costs low, but you’ll never be penalized for forgetting to return a bag or ice pack.

Returned bags are thoroughly sanitized before being put back into circulation. This ensures safety, cleanliness, and a longer life for each bag.

No problem at all. If you’re unable to return the bag, you’re welcome to keep it and reuse it. Many customers use them for groceries, farmers market trips, or freezer storage. There is no penalty or fee if a bag isn’t returned.

If something isn’t right, let us know within 24 hours of delivery. We’ll work quickly to make it right, whether that means a replacement, refund, or credit toward your next order.

You can reach us anytime at support@localpastures.com or by phone at (312) 465-4688. We aim to reply within one business day.

If an item arrives damaged or incorrect, we’ll issue a replacement or refund. Because our products are perishable, we’re unable to accept returns once food has been delivered.

Read more about our return and refund policy here!

Yes. Call or text us at (312) 465-4688 and we’ll be happy to help!

Yes. Subscribers can log in to manage deliveries, update payment details, and view past order history.