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?

wendel
  • 16th Jun 2011 01:02pm

I am astounded to see how prices for fruit and vegies differs between supermarkets. I live in a very productive area for both, yet still have to pay top dollar for them. There are a couple of roadside stalls that I like to use when open, they offer straight off the paddock fruit and vegies, and cheap, quality may be a bit down, but for the price it's great, they taste as good if not better, knowing you've paid through the nose for them.


Cancel

Help Caféstudy members by responding to their questions, or ask your own in Café Chat, and you will get the chance of earning extra rewards. Caféstudy will match these and donate equally to our two chosen Australian charities.

Food Bank Australia not only plays a lead role in fighting hunger, but also a vitally important role in tackling Australia’s $20 billion food waste problem and helping the environment.
Australian Marine Conservation Society are an independent charity, staffed by a committed group of scientists, educators and passionate advocates who have defended Australia’s oceans for over 50 years.
ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. Their trusted self-help information, peer-support program and referral tools save lives by helping young people be well and stay well. The information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.