From the Ground Up, a local, organic vegetable and fruit box scheme, opened a new distribution centre in a Surbiton pub last weekend.
The new hub in The Lamb pub on Brighton Road, will allow From the Ground Up (FGU) to double its distribution in Kingston.
The group will now distribute their organic food boxes every Saturday, alternating The Lamb with their original hub, the Kingston Environment Centre, which is adjacent to the Fairfield bus station.
(Click here for a map of both locations.)
Stephanie Hofielen, Manager of FGU, said: “There’s an energised, positive group of people at the Lamb. They have a nice, established community and it is the right fit for what we’re trying to do.”
Since beginning operations in March 2010, FGU has sought to bring cheap, organic food to the Kingston community. Fruit and vegetables come from Sutton Community Farm, just 10 miles from Kingston as well as from selected European producers.
As well as a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, FGU also offers an assortment of local and organic bread, jam and cheese.
“We believe that safe, chemical-free food is a right for everybody. It shouldn’t be a privilege or a luxury for the few,” said Ms Hofielen.
A not-for-profit volunteer group, FGU has made efforts to engender a strong relationship with the Kingston community through the formation of alliances with groups like Transition Town Kingston and the Kingston Environment Centre, as well as a variety of local activities.
Recent events include a wild food walkabout and an organic wine-tasting night.
In the future FGU hopes to expand its operation into local schools and groups, establishing self-sustaining hubs throughout the community to educate and inform about organic food.
Ms Hofielen believes that this prospective expansion will be both a great learning experience for students and a fundraising opportunity for schools.
All of FGU’s orders are processed through their online shop, open Monday morning thru Thursday evening, then ready for a Saturday pick-up usually between 11am and 1pm.
