Food & Drink

Avoiding Supermarkets - is it time to get back to basics?

Food & Drink

Posted by: Kris

15th May 2011 10:59pm

Having worked at one of Australia's supermarket giants as a teen I was disturbed by the lack of quality in the logistic processes, the in-store handling, and the concept of imports on fresh produce. It astounded me that produce from my local region was sent more than 1000 kilometres away to go through logistics to then be sent all the way back.

As I've grown older and moved out of home this has become an important issue, considering the current price wars, and the hurt that is occurring to the 'Aussie' farmer.

This lead me to turn away from the supermarkets and seek out green grocers and markets. Recently I have also been introduced to the concept of home delivered fruit and vegetable boxes. A company in my area does just this, with a mission to source locally and within season.

Obtaining my fruit and vegetables in this manner has reminded me of the stories my mother would tell me of all the home delivery options, from the bakery van, and the milk man and the at the gate buys from farmers.

I want to know if my journey in seeking out alternatives to the supermarkets is unique? Are we moving back to a community based model of living from era's gone by? Are you finding difficulty in obtaining an alternative or are you happy with the service of supermarkets?

Anonymous
  • 26th May 2011 08:36pm

I totally refuse to buy my fruit and vegies from the supermarket because I don't know how long they have been in storage and they are usually average quality. We are very lucky as we have a great fruit and vegie shop locally and have regular farmer markets close by, both are fantastic. So I will never buy from supermarkets when I have these great sources that never let me down!


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