By Dionne Meehan
THE Shy by Nature farm in Inver delivered their 500th veg box last Friday marking the end of a successful 20 week pilot.
Working on 16 acres of land, Ronan and Gareth McNern actively sought the help of volunteers to work in partnership with them in which the responsibilities, risks and rewards of farming were shared.
By rolling out a fresh and affordable food box pilot packed with a delicious variety of vegetables, the brothers have been able to improve community health in south Donegal by widening access to regenerative vegetables.
With a mix of six to nine portions of different vegetables available, the box contained seasonal vegetables, herbs and a few other surprises.
Donal Martin, a veg box customer from Mountcharles said the pilot was “great”.
“Plenty of variety in just the right amounts to give inspiration to anyone with cooking aspirations to make tasty unusual meals.
“I particularly liked the flat leafed parsley which stayed fresh (in a little water) much longer than shop bought parsley; which in any event is nearly always bolted when you buy it.
“I like the ethos of the farm project which is to get people to value food bought locally and to get fresh food to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it,” he said.
With the farm also offering the option to sponsor or donate a veg box, families supported by the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation benefitted from more than 50 boxes, at least two weekly, across the 20 week pilot.
One family that benefitted from this said they “loved” their veg box.
“The veggies were so delicious and fresh.
“I would love to be able to buy them myself every week.
“The beetroot was one of my favourites.”
If you would be interested in veg boxes from Shy By Nature Farm in the future, please sign up to the newsletter via www.vegbox.shybynaturefarm.ie
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