(This story is sponsored by Fresh Prep.)

When did dinner become such a chore? 

Somewhere between grocery shopping, carrying heavy bags in the rain, and coming up with new recipe ideas, meal prep has become a daily dining drudgery. And all too often the easy and convenient alternative is also unhealthy and mass-produced.

But if you’re yearning for a better solution to your dinnertime dilemmas, Fresh Prep could be just the answer you’re looking for. The locally owned meal-kit service was started in 2014 by childhood friends Becky Brauer, Dhruv Sood, and Husein Rahemtulla, who wanted to make cooking at home simple, nutritious, and quick. And, of course, delicious!

Every week, Fresh Prep delivers high-quality ingredients for chef-designed and locally sourced meals, which you can prepare at home. There are a variety of plans that accomodate singles, couples, and families. And all Fresh Prep ingredients are brought straight to you in insulated, reusable bags that keep them cold for hours prior to refrigeration. And as the only Canadian meal-kit company that delivers, you’re not relying on Canada Post or UPS to ensure your food is kept fresh and isn't left in the wrong place.

Better still, everything, down to the spices and veggies, is pre-portioned and pre-chopped for faster cooking and no waste of ingredients—not to mention your time. Talk about a life hack.

Say goodbye to the days of purchasing a whole bunch of cilantro, only to use a few sprigs and then throwing it out. In fact, sustainability is something the company takes very seriously. In addition to trying to tackle the massive problem with food waste, Fresh Prep works with Urban Impact, to recycle all its soft plastic packaging. All you have to do is put the packaging back in the bag and Fresh Prep will recycle it for you in the most environmentally sustainable way possible.

But if the thought of slaving over the stove for hours has you reaching for the take-out menu in panic, then fret not. That’s because all Fresh Prep meals come with a step-by-step recipe card so that they can be made in less than 30 minutes. Thirty minutes! We’ve spent longer than that scrolling through Netflix.

Putting a fresh spin on your meal prep couldn’t be simpler. All you have to do is create an account and share your taste and delivery preferences. Fresh Prep will take it from there, leaving you to enjoy wholesome and tasty meals at home, plus plenty of additional time to argue over what to watch.

To sign up to Fresh Prep or to learn more visit the website. And to celebrate coming in number one as Best Meal Kit Delivery Service, Fresh Prep is offering the Georgia Straight readers three free meals (value of $33) by using promo code SCBESTOFVAN18 at checkout.