We’re on a constant mission to make locally produced, organic food available to more and more residents of Greater Manchester. Not only that, we also want to make sure that sustainable food benefits both its consumers and producers – through a farming system that respects the soil AND the people who work it.
So, in a bid to do all of these things, we’re launching Kindling's very own, unique veg box scheme, supplying weekly boxes of organic veg from Manchester Veg People co-operative direct to one of the largest workplaces in the city – the University of Manchester.
The scheme is open to anyone to join, but should prove particularly handy for staff and students based on or near the University’s Oxford Road campus, where boxes will be available for collection every Tuesday afternoon. There are an estimated 8,000 people working on the campus throughout the week – we’re hoping 100 of them (to start with) will jump at the chance for a weekly delivery of the finest and fairest organic veg in the land!
We’ve modelled Veg Box People on London’s very successful Growing Communities – a community-led box scheme serving the borough of Hackney. Like them, being a social enterprise means we’re not out to make loads of profit, just get fresh, tasty organic veg to local people at a decent price, and a regular income for our small scale organic farmers in return.
“By becoming a customer of Veg Box People, you’ll be helping us harness the collective buying power of the University community and directing it towards farmers producing food in a sustainable way, helping them thrive”. Nina Dales, Veg Box People’s co-ordinator.
Our suppliers and partners Manchester Veg People are a co-operative of buyers and growers, making sure that our local, small scale farmers are paid a fair price for their quality veg. And in this spirit of co-operation, Veg Box People customers will be encouraged to visit supplier farms, get to know their growers, and actively participate in a better local food system. We’ve also created a weekly raffle for customers where half the money goes to the winner and the other half to our food poverty partner, the brilliant Foodcycle Manchester.
What’s not to like?!
Please help us spread the word! Go to http://vegboxpeople.org.uk/