Box schemes. Support them as they struggle

MrsTinks

I used Riverford - they were ok - just too much in there that we don't like to be honest So we get it from a local organic company called Ethical Foods www.ethicalfoods.co.uk - run by a local guy and they source everything as locally as possible - never had a problem - they DO charge for delivery but you can collect from them if you live or drive near by. And they seem better value so the delivery charge is kinda matching them up with other organic companies And you can also order everything else from them - meat, household goods, cupboard ingredients, dairy etc

Highly recommend

Justie

ethical foods look great and were recommended to me as well but we live just outside their delivery area - I know they do courier deliveries too but so far we're happy with Riverford and their whole ethos and as we lobbied them to add us into their delivery area I think it only fair to stick with them.

Mikki

I live in Lanarkshire and get a box from Abel & Cole. It is a bit more expensive than others as it is couriered (and I occassionally have quality issues as the courier sometimes does not take good care of the box - A&C always sort this out though no problems). I do hate having to get a box from the other end of the country, but as someone else said, I'd rather buy British than get apples from NZ and South Africa from Mr Tesco! I also like how I can stipulate my likes & dislikes and A&C will always substitue something else.

I did search on BigBarn for a more local box scheme, but for some reason, no-one will deliver to me (seems to be mainly Ayrshire or Edinburgh, but they won't travel that extra 10 miles!!). The only one I did try was Lomond Organics who I would avoid like the plague! Their customer service is terrible - I had to phone them 3 times before I found out what day my box was going to be delivered; my 1st order they delivered to the wrong address; and twice I ordered extras which never arrived - I am still waiting to be refunded by them!! Terrible, terrible service!

Anyone in the Lanarkshire/Glasgow area found a reliable local box scheme?

Tondella

This is a very timely thread for me as I am moving from London to Bristol and so can no longer continue with Farmaround. I'd found riverford from an internet search and based on the comments here am really excited to have such a reputable delivery service in my area. Farmaround have been brilliant - I have a delivery every fortnight, luxury veg and eggs, and since the hungry gap in spring I've had some great selections of vegetables.

lil_me

Still not an email or call back from my local one, they must not be so desperate for business is all I can pressume. I did mention I spend IRO £20+ a week on fruit and veg.

odds-n-sods

maybe the email got lost?? I'd send it again, or call them.

lil_me

Sent 6 so far, rang them several times, no response, have seen them delivering orders but never been in the situation to be able to stop as have been on busy roads etc.

Bobbykins

:A Thanks to user55 and jovichik123 for recommending Stockley farm and Northern Harvest. I was in the middle of checking out their sites when a leaflet popped through my door from a company called "Growing with nature" who are just starting to do deliveries in my area. They are apparently a cooperative of Cheshire and Lancashire organic farmers.

They do a small veg box for £7.50 which I thought I might give a try. my first box is arriving this Friday......I'll let you know if they are any good! They do a separate fruit bag but I think I'll just try them out with the veggies first and take it from there.

Thanks for all your suggestions everyone.:T

aimeelister

I can throughly recommend a really small scheme in the North East Swindon which delivers in a 25mile radius - Coleshill Organics I have been having their boxes for 2+ years and never been disappointed.
I can also recommend Flights Orchard Organics which delivers in the West Midlands based in Herefordshire. My mum uses them and has loved them. They also cover my area and do supply my scheme for some things they dont grow, but i prefer to use the local scheme.

Bobbykins

Well, my £7.50 veg box has arrived! It had:

4 potatoes
about 8 carrots
a small squash
4 tomatoes
bunch of lovely spring onions
big bag of salad.


TBH, at the moment I'm thinking it's a bit too expensive for what I got but, as I've never had one before I have nothing to compare with. I'll have to think about it.

In the meantime, can anyone tell me what to do with the squash??????