Sound Bites focuses on selling local and organic food, but also sells fair trade products cruelty-free body care items, and eco-household cleaning products.
Vegetable Pedallers began in recognition of the difficulties faced particularly by elderly and disabled people as a result of many community shops closing down.
The scheme has no minimum order size, which was seen to be a possible barrier for many of our customers, as they tend to live alone and only need small amounts of shopping. The bags are currently (2010) priced between £3.50 and £6 per bag depending on the size.
Soundbites use locally sourced vegetables and fruit whenever the season and availability allows. In the summer and autumn the vegetable bags are often supplemented by produce from a local allotment project. The fresh produce is delivered in re-useable jute bags.
Sound Bites applied for three years worth of funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which was awarded in 2007. Vegetable Pedallers was able to use the equipment that Sound Bites already had i.e. a packing room equipped with prep table, scales and sink.
The co-ordinators promoted the scheme by giving talks at community events, approaching luncheon clubs at churches, contacting the local ‘Live At Home’ schemes.
Customer Comment:
"I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and we are unable to own a car. Because of this we had not had fresh fruit and veg in the house for nearly ten years. Thanks to you we are feeling healthier and enjoying a wider variety of food. You are really making a difference." SP
You can view the full article here
You can view the scheme website here
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