Press Information
Below are a selection of downloadable high resolution files and information for the Veg Box Donation Scheme. If you require any additional information please let us know.
Contact Information
We love working with journalists and media organisations to share the work we are doing to help people in food poverty. If you’re a member of the media and would like to talk, please get in touch with Sharon Mey on hello@vbds.org.uk.
Our Story
The Veg Box Donation Scheme (VBDS) started in June 2020 in Potton, Bedfordshire. Sharon Mey, the founder of the scheme, who with her husband is a keen allotment and home gardener, realised how often they had extra produce. Could the surplus somehow be used to benefit the community, by providing those in need with a healthy diet?
The idea grew to organize a weekly collection of surplus fresh, local and seasonal produce donated by allotment and communal gardeners and other sources, and to distribute it on the same day, free of charge, in the form of veg boxes delivered directly to those in financial need within the community who had been referred to VBDS. The veg box could include vegetables, herbs, fruit, flowers, eggs, and honey, and at times home baked goods.
The summer months were extraordinarily successful, with generous donations from the allotment and other local growers, and there was sufficient each week to provide for those referred to VBDS. As winter drew near, the decision had to be made whether, or how, to continue, as the grower donations would dwindle in the colder months. The need for fruit and vegetables in the winter and the spring ‘hungry gap’ would continue for those VBDS provides for, particularly with the Covid-19 pandemic causing additional hardship with layoffs, furloughs, and businesses not able to continue as normal.
The consensus was to continue with the Veg Box Donation Scheme over the winter but to focus on acquiring donations from organisations such as schools, vegetable distributors and supermarkets, while still holding weekly collections at set locations for local community donations. This has worked well with many generous donations each week and has enabled us to slowly increase the number of households provided for. Grant funding and donations have also helped to fill the gap.
In March 2023 VBDS was registered as a charity with the Charity Commission. As we move forward, the need for veg boxes continues to grow, as does the need for produce for the boxes and for volunteers to help with collections, packing and delivering.
From Sharon:
"As we move through our third year as a charity, we are not feeding the five thousand – yet – but the vision is it to build up many small village/town/neighbourhood Veg Box Donation Schemes across the country, feeding the poor and helping to reduce food waste. Locally sourced food for local households in need, provided and run by the local community!"
Our Founder
Sharon Mey - VBDS Coordinator
Right click to download image
Sharon founded VBDS in 2020. She ran her own property rental company in South Africa and has many years of admin experience in higher education in the UK. She is married to Ashley, with 4 adult children and 7 grandchildren. Sharon is a member of a local church, enjoys organic, no dig gardening at the allotment, helps to run a community food garden, and loves walking Sammy, their black Labrador, in the countryside with Ashley.
Testimonials
‘I had to let you know how much I have appreciated your wonderful veg boxes ... I made the delicious courgette soup, enjoyed with the freshly cooked rolls, and made a rhubarb fool to follow ... It is a privilege to be party to your wonderful scheme, the freshest produce and your overwhelming kindness. My heartfelt thanks to you all.’ AB
‘Since lockdown I have received no income relating to sales generated from my business, due to the spread of Coronavirus and the subsequent closure of all [entertainment venues] in the country . . . It is very important to me that I survive the current pandemic professionally and come out the other side, still doing the job I love. As I have received no financial assistance, I have been receiving deliveries from the Veg Box Donation Scheme, which have been greatly appreciated . . . the delivery of these supplies is helping me through a difficult time of personal financial insecurity.’ RS
‘Thank you very much for the lovely vegetable boxes, always plenty, and such a variety. Your hard work is very much appreciated.’ ME
Thank you so much for my Christmas box it's amazing and very much appreciated. God bless
Media Assets
Right click to download images
Logo 1
Logo 2
