Is there a Farmer's Market in your neck of the woods? Prices are not much better, if Farmer's Market is available but can normally count on freshness from the food. I've had to tell the food to keep their paws off of Better Half numerous times.
There are Farmer’s Markets in Matthews, Mint Hill, and Monroe, but it’s rare for us to get by them. There are also a couple of farm stands. I got a cantaloupe at one of them yesterday; it wasn’t any better than the HT ones, though. I think HT is buying locally.
I just pick them up and smell them, no matter where I’m buying.