For my Small Change challenge, I pledged to source some LOCAL maybe organic vegetables for our family meals. Despite living in a rural area, surrounded by faming land it is depressingly difficult to get good local produce and especially good local vegetables. I have tried local farm shops and try to support our village shops but the dominance of the big supermarkets mean that there are not enough people using these outlets and often the veggies are suitable only for composting by the time you get them. I searched on line and discovered the Free Range Review which allows you to search for local producers using your post code. It came up with Riverford Organics which despite being a countrywide company happen to have a local hub within 15 miles of my home.
I ordered a seasonal box and some additional items - milk, butter, yogurt and eggs and they were all delivered for free on friday. I was extremely pleased with the contents and the quality and it was a remarkably easy process to order and pay.
There were lovely fresh SEASONAL veggies and the only change I would make is that I hadn't noticed that there wouldn't be any potatoes in the box - next time I would order some along side. Not all items were from the local hub but I am happy to compromise slightly on this as the way they transport things are scrutinised and they have very high eco ideals.
I was also very impressed with the communication and the news letter they enclosed with recipes and ideas of how to use the contents of your box. I am intending to place a regular order now and will update you towards the end of the month on how things are going!
