The Traders at Tiverton Pannier Market have really risen to the challenges posed by the current pandemic by adapting their businesses to continue providing the local community with essential groceries and foods.

With over 2,000 combined vegetable box deliveries since the 23^rd of March, both Kelland’s Fruit and Veg and The Healthy Root have played a vital role in supplying the elderly, the vulnerable, key workers and those who are shielding with fresh and healthy produce right to their doorstep.

Both businesses have scaled-up their delivery services for greater reach and have implemented phone and collect services, with designated collection points for those who are able drive to the market. BACS payments are available on all veg box orders.

In addition to fruit and vegetables, Kelland’s are delighted that they are able to add eggs, milk, bread, cheese, butter and flour to any box orders (subject to availability).

Similarly, The Healthy Root can also add eggs and honey to any orders, and they have recently added a new ‘produce page’ to their website that lists all the produce they sell and specifies what is currently in season! Visit thehealthyroot.co.uk to take a look.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, G & M Butchers are available at the market offering stock joints of meat, burgers, sausages, bacon and pasties. Orders can be placed in advance for collection by calling Gary on 07963869315.

Fair and Ethical trade on Fridays and Saturdays, selling local honey, preserves, homemade pies, pasta, tea, coffee and fair trade chocolate.

Jonas Fishmongers have recently resumed trading at the market and will attend on Fridays with a selection of fresh fish. The market also welcomes back Garfield’s Life Is Sweet. Garfield will be attending Fridays and Saturdays with a selection of cakes and tray bakes.

The market is open weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for customers who are able to visit in person. The market team have put in several new safety measures to ensure the safety of traders, staff and customers attending the market, including strict social distancing rules, signage, enhanced cleaning routines, hand sanitisers and a limit on how many customers are allowed in the market at any one time.

Nicola Widdowson, Owner of The Healthy Root said:

“I am really grateful that we have been allowed to remain open to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to our customers. Being able to use the market as a base to pack and distribute our orders has meant that we can provide fresh fruit and veg to members of the community that are most in need and unable to come to the market in person to collect’’.

Tom Nott, Acting Market Manager said:

“I think the way that the traders have adapted their businesses to meet the needs of the community is fantastic - it highlights what an important role the market plays in the local community. To be able to provide over 2,000 veg boxes in such a short period of time is testament to the traders here and the hours of hard work they put in. I thank them, our wonderful customers and the leadership team at Mid Devon District Council for the brilliant support that we have received, it has enabled us to stay open and continue to provide this essential community service’’.

A recent customer of Kelland’s Fruit and Veg, Mr Priestley said:

”In a bid to support local business and socially distance, I decided to order Kelland’s fruit and veg boxes. When the first box arrived I was delighted at the amount and quality of the produce. Flexible with delivery to suit working schedule – I whole heartedly recommend’’.

A recent customer of The Healthy Root, Mr Slocombe, said:

“A great variety of fruit and vegetables are available and when possible, locally produced as well. Staff are very friendly and are always happy to help, highly recommended A+’’.

To order your own fresh veg box, contact:

The Healthy Root
Email: info@thehealthyroot.co.uk
Web: thehealthyroot.co.uk/

Kelland’s Fruit and Veg
Tel: 07980592127
Facebook: @kellandsvegboxes