Another Kent based fruit and veg delivery company is Foodari ( www . foodari . com ). Devoted to the sourcing and supplying of outstanding fresh produce for some 15 years , Foodari stands out through their strong relationships across the supply chain . “ We respond to food and buying trends as well as social and economic change ,” says founder Jonathan Parker . “ Threaded through our three divisions is a commitment to provenance and traceability , impeccable customer service , and a commitment to leveraging cross-division benefits to support our customers . So whether you ' re a small household in Canterbury , a Michelin-starred chef in London , a catering manager running a busy venue , or a retailer looking for new product lines , you can expect quality fresh produce that is traceable , reliably picked and delivered , and sustainably sourced .” Although they have a diverse network of growers and producers locally , nationally and internationally , Foodari strongly supports local produce from Kent , and at certain times of the year supply up to 80 % of all their fruit and veg from the Garden of England , and up to 90 % from the UK . Delivering six days a week across the south of England , the fleet of vans are tracked and chilled to ensure produce arrives on time and in the very best condition - so you really will be getting the very best flavour and quality that Kent has to offer .
Based in East Malling , Communigrow ( www . communigrow . org . uk ) is a registered food education charity focused on reconnecting people to freshly grown food , the outdoor environment it comes from and the soil it grows in . “ We want to teach people from all walks of life about how to grow their own food and reconnect with nature . Learning , teaching ,
caring and sharing are the core aspects of the Communigrow project . We care about ethical food production , land and nature conservation and personal and collective well-being ,” says Commuigrow ’ s Laurence Snook . Offering practical experience to young people and adults , including those facing complex challenges and special needs , in learning how to grow food . Communigrow ’ s sessions are led by experienced growers and help young people and adults increase their self confidence and esteem and to improve their life prospects , as well as give them the skills and knowledge to grow their own food . You can not only help Communigrow and the community , but also benefit yourself and your health by using their veg box scheme , which you can find out more about via their website .
Despite the appeal of veg box schemes and home delivery , there ’ s nothing quite like the joy of handselecting each precious fruit and vegetable yourself . Taking this small joy that little bit further is also the notion of eating freshly picked Kent-grown produce in dish-form at one of our treasured Kent farm shops and eateries . These dishes will not only provide you with a hearty wholesome meal but also the inspiration to create some Kent produce inspired dishes of your own at home . No matter where you might be in Kent , you will undoubtedly be close by to one of our farm shops . For a truly rustic shop experience , visit Little Farthingloe Farm ( www . littlefarthingloefarm . co . uk ) in Dover . With untouched produce sourced from local farms in Kent , the fruit and veg is freshly picked and collected directly from the farms , and then placed onto the shelves . The shop also sells a range of apple juice from Sussex , free range eggs , wholefoods , pickles and jams . Not only does Farthingloe boast of a charming shop , they also have a delightful eatery with an array of delectable specials on their menu as well as famously good , mouthwatering homemade cakes . Eat them inside or lounge in their sunny outdoor area before mooching around the Kent Land Army museum , a small exhibition that is located in a neighbouring barn to honour our countryside in wartime heritage .
Based in Goudhurst , Taywell Farm Shop ( www . taywellfarm . co . uk ) stocks a huge selection of locally produced and high quality products . From strawberries , apples , plums and other seasonal fruits to Kentish ice cream , pies and local game , Taywell has a firm belief that local produce is the way to go . In Littlebourne near Canterbury , produce seekers will discover another Kent gem run by mother daughter duo , Steph and Lisa Twyman , who come from generations of farming . Founded during the 2020 pandemic , The Ivy Barn ( www . instagram . com / the _ ivy _ barn ) has been a roaring success ever since . Selling an abundance of local produce sourced directly from the growers they personally know and love , The Ivy Barn also serves Kent ’ s coffee favourite Garage Coffee ( www . garageroasted . co . uk ) alongside scrumptious cakes and light lunches . “ My favourite thing about living in Kent is having fresh produce that is so local to us ,” says Steph . “ Growing up on a farm , I have always had a love for the outdoors and the countryside and want to honour this in everything we serve and sell .”
51