Weekly sales of veg boxes have increased by 111% in the six weeks between the end of February and mid-April, based on analysis of data gathered via online and phone surveys of 101 UK veg box schemes by the Food Foundation, the Banc CSA Network UK and Better Food Traders.
The highest rates of growth were seen by smaller box schemes – those which supply up to 300 boxes per week – which grew sales by 134%.
With an estimated 500 vegetable box schemes operating in the UK, that means about 3.5m individual veg boxes have been delivered over the last six weeks.
Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, said: “In a time of national crisis, fruit and veg producers running box schemes have provided a critical service to their customers and communities.
“We must ensure our agriculture policy, now and in the future, helps them get the investment they need as they play a vital role in supporting access to healthy produce as part of a sustainable food and farming system.”
The data also showed that 82% of box schemes now have waiting lists and are closed to new orders, with the average waiting list numbering 160 people and the largest box scheme turning away 6,700 customers. If demand was fully met it would mean suppliers could be delivering 5.3m veg boxes.
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of box schemes are actively prioritising key workers, the vulnerable or those self-isolating by moving key workers and vulnerable groups to the top of waiting lists and prioritising them for orders and delivery.
And 10% of box schemes have created systems to help the economically vulnerable by offering cheaper boxes for those suffering financial hardship and giving members who can afford it the option of paying a little more to subsidise boxes for those struggling.
Sian Barlow from Banc Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) scheme said ‘Banc CSA is a not for profit social enterprise and it’s been a lot of work building it up, but I am grateful that we persevered because it means that we have been in a position to step up and help people out at a time of need’