Where is the produce sourced from? Is it local?
Box schemes aim to bring customers seasonal organic and biodynamic produce when they are at their peak in quality and freshness. For this reason, we buy according to seasonality and quality, sourcing as much as possible from local grower networks.
We also visit the markets in Melbourne, with a focus on sourcing from central Victorian growers and biodynamic growers from the wider region.
Is everything Organic ?
All our produce is sourced from organic and biodynamic growers. Some of our smaller local growers are not certified organic, but grow using organic methods with organic inputs.
We verify this personally, and these local relationships have been built over years.
Products such as the honey and olive oil are from local growers that are not certified.
Can I select what goes into my food box?
We provide seasonal lists with each order and fill the boxes with whatever tastes and looks great that week. Because of this, the scheme works on the basis of you telling us what you do not want.
Your No List can be a permanent arrangement (eg. you never eat brussel sprouts) or just for that week or month (eg. you have plenty of lettuces growing in your garden).
If you have specific preferences or must-haves please let us know when you order or via email hello@foodgarden.com.au.
You can also create your own food box, by selecting from Fresh Produce rather than choosing one of the Food Boxes.
What is the difference between the Victorian and Mixed Choice boxes?
The Victorian boxes contain exclusively Victorian only produce, whereas the Mixed Choice boxes have banana, sweet potato, mango and other produce that can be only sourced from interstate.
Victorian boxes are at their best in Winter and in Summer, when the local season is also at its best.
During the Spring and Autumn, we rely more on interstate organic growers, but still have a focus and priority on local growers.
In Summer and Winter much of the contents in the Victorian box will be very similar to the Mixed Choice.
Do you deliver or can I pick up the box?
We deliver to homes in most towns, aswell as providing central pick up points for you to choose from.
What do I do with the empty box?
The food boxes are delivered in reusable (and recycled) containers, which are swapped over when you order a box. A refundable box deposit of $15 is required on your first order. We also provide bulk dried goods in calico bags which can be returned with your box.
Do you charge for delivery?
Delivery charges vary from $2.75 for central pick-up points to $4.95 for home delivery in Castlemaine, Daylesford and Bendigo, and $5.95 for Ballarat, Buninyong and Sunbury.
We prefer to keep produce prices at affordable levels, and charge for delivery separate, rather than building delivery charge into the price of the produce. And as our orders grow in an area, we have been able to reduce the price of the delivery for you.
When are orders due in?
Orders need to be in by Wednesday 2pm for Thursday and Friday deliveries.
Aswell as ordering online, you can ring us on 5470 5548 or email hello@foodgarden.com.au