UCOOK's Market Box gives lifeline to small farms and food producers

Meal-kit delivery company UCOOK was launched just five short years ago with a clear mission to support local, small-scale food producers. 

With the onset of lockdown, the relationship with this artisanal supply chain has been brought to the fore as small businesses battle to make ends meet. It’s this challenge that has given rise to UCOOK’s most recent offering, the UCOOK Market Box.

UCOOK CEO David Torr says that the company feels a responsibility to assist in providing a lifeline for small farms and businesses to ensure their survival. 

“The Market Box has created a way for many of these small businesses and farmers to sell produce that would ultimately have gone to waste. We have purposefully maintained a very low margin on the box which allows UCOOK to pay the smaller suppliers what they are due. 

"In addition, we’re sourcing products from many small outlets meaning that the box has the capacity to support multiple suppliers of the same product.” 

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Today is not just your ordinary Thursday. Yes, it may be a full super-moon, but what's even bigger than the moon right now is that our new Market Box officially has its very own Instagram channel and we think you should give it a follow – @ucook.market 🌽🥬🍗🥖📦⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ We created the Market Box not just for you, but for farmers who need our support more than ever. Not only do you have the opportunity to enjoy incredible fresh produce, from the brightest veg you've ever seen to cheese, meats and everything in between, but you'll be helping them keep their businesses going too.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ If you are located in the Cape Town area, you will be able to order this weekly box of #goodproduce from a variety of local, small-batch suppliers who are committed to providing the community with all the best a market has to offer. Plus you'll hear directly from farmers each week about what makes their produce so special, and who you're supporting when you buy it.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Orders for the Market Box close on Wednesday at 10PM, for delivery on Thursday afternoons (just in time for the weekend). For the time being, this box is only available in Cape Town and surrounding areas – we are working on expanding this to more regions – until then, follow @ucook.market for all updates and everything you need to know about the produce in your box and the passionate people behind it.

A post shared by UCOOK 📦🥕🍋🌿(@ucooksa) on May 7, 2020 at 4:02am PDT

The UCOOK Market Box was developed in partnership with the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Cape Town and brings the freshest seasonal ingredients and artisanal food products directly to the homes of Cape Town customers. 

The contents of the box changes weekly to embrace seasonality and reduce wastage, but always includes a curated selection of organically grown fruits and vegetables, pasture-reared meats, line-caught fish, GMO-free pastured eggs, fresh dairy, artisanal bread and other local ingredients.

Market Box procurement manager Ryan Ausker adds that “This project aims to showcase the incredible work farmers and food producers do in our communities. By supporting regenerative farming practices we can revolutionise our local food system and have a meaningful impact on people's livelihoods”.

Customers have a choice of a Large or Medium Market Box, or speciality Vegetarian and Plant Based Box offerings. Prices start at R850 and each box is designed to supply a family with up to four days’ worth of fresh market produce. Customers also have the option to add on a specially curated selection of artisanal food products to their Boxes.

To support this initiative, visit  https://farmersmarket.ucook.co.za/