The Times Australia
The Times Food and Dining

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Randwick Resident Champions Fresh Food Revolution for Local Families


After overcoming a debilitating battle with chronic fatigue through improved nutrition, Rob Derbyshire, a passionate nutrition lecturer and local gym owner for the past 14 years, is now transforming the way Randwick residents access fresh produce through his involvement with Box Divvy. This grassroots initiative, like a modern food co-op, lets community members order fresh, local produce and pantry staples online without fees or contracts, offering a seamless and approximately 30% cheaper alternative to supermarkets.

"I learned the hard way that nutrition is paramount. My recovery was a wake-up call, and now I'm dedicated to spreading the importance of quality food. I was also fed up with supermarkets – their produce was poor quality and overpriced. Box Divvy offers a far better solution; it's significantly cheaper, and the quality is unbelievable," Rob explains.

The need for better nutrition is critical, as less than 20% of Australians eat enough fruit and vegetables daily. Rob emphasises, "Quality and quantity are essential to protect against chronic lifestyle diseases. We need to prioritise vegetables and whole foods in our diets."

Box Divvy is a social enterprise business that aims to improve the food system and challenge the dominance of supermarkets. It connects communities with local farmers, providing market-fresh, locally grown seasonal fruits, vegetables, and pantry items. This model not only ensures incredible freshness but also supports local farmers with fair compensation, creating a win-win for everyone involved.

Rob took over the Randwick Hub when the previous Hubster could no longer continue. "I couldn't bear to go without the amazing produce. The quality and nutrition are exceptional because there's no cold storage – you can really taste the difference," Rob says.

Rob's Randwick Hub has quickly become a cornerstone of the community with over 53 families picking up their produce on Thursday afternoons from his gym. "The feedback from my members has been overwhelmingly positive. They love the quality and the savings," Rob says. "Our first batch of baby spinach stayed crispy for two weeks in the fridge, unlike supermarket spinach that wilts in just two days."

Running the Hub has also been a wonderful way for Rob to connect with his son, Luca, teaching him the importance of nutrition and the skills needed to run a micro-business. Rob jokes, "Luca is better at divvying up the produce than I am! It's great to see him take charge and learn the ropes."

Box Divvy co-founder Anton van den Berg elaborates on who might find running a Hub suitable: "Being a Hubster is perfect for retirees, parents at home, people working from home, or anyone with a few extra hours a week. It’s a wonderful way to meet people in your neighbourhood and have a positive impact."

Anton also praises Rob's dedication: "Rob’s commitment to nutrition and community wellness is truly inspiring. His Hub is a perfect example of how Box Divvy can transform communities, providing access to fresh, local produce and fostering healthier lifestyles."

What Box Divvy Brings to Randwick:

Community Building: Foster local ties and connect with neighbours, making Randwick feel even more like home.

Incredible Freshness: Enjoy produce delivered straight from local farms, bypassing the cold storage delays of supermarkets.

Save Up to 30%: Reduce your grocery bills while enjoying premium-quality produce.

Support for Farmers: Your purchase helps local farmers receive fair compensation, promoting sustainable farming practices.

Environmentally Sustainable: Benefit from minimal food miles and reduced packaging waste.

Transparent Pricing: See exactly what we pay our farmers, ensuring trust and fairness.

For more information on Box Divvy or to start your own Hub, visit www.boxdivvy.com.

Food & Dining

7 Tips to Brew Perfect Mullein Tea Every Time

Brewing the perfect cup of mullein tea can often feel elusive, especially with all the conflicting advice available online. You might struggle with weak flavour, overpowering bitterness, or even the challenge of floating leaves in your cup.  Fortu...

Fresh Ideas for Celebrating the Year of the Snake

The Lunar New Year is here, and with it comes the Year of the Snake—a time for fresh beginnings, family connections, and, of course, delicious food. As celebrations kick off, Australian families are turning to summer’s bounty of fresh produce to ...

Drop of Sunshine | The perfect gift for that special someone this Valentine’s day

Drop of Sunshine: A Toast to Women, Our Connections & The Stories That Bring Us Together Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), one of the world’s leading wine companies, has launched a new line of premium wines,  Drop of Sunshine, in partnership wit...

Delicious and Healthy Vitamix Recipes for Optimal Nutrition

🍏🥦 Enjoy tasty Vitamix recipes packed with nutrients for optimum health. Healthy eating 🥕🍓 made fun & delicious! 💪🍹 #Nutrition #VitamixRecipes Healthy Eating and Optimal NutritionRenowned for its versatility and unparalleled blending capabilitie...

The Times Features

Understanding the Dangers of Ignoring a Gas Leak

Gas leaks are silent threats lurking within both homes and workplaces. A gas leak occurs when natural gas or any other gaseous substance escapes from a pipeline or containment. T...

Can You Sell Your House Privately in Queensland? Here’s How

Selling a house privately in Queensland is entirely possible and can be a cost-effective alternative to using a real estate agent. While agents provide valuable expertise, their co...

Itinerary to Maximize Your Two-Week Adventure in Vietnam and Cambodia

Two weeks may not seem like much, but it’s just the right time for travelers to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the magnificent te...

How to Protect Your Garden Trees from Wind Damage in Australia

In Australia's expansive landscape, garden trees hold noteworthy significance. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes but also play an integral role in the local...

Brisbane Homeowners Warned: Non-Compliant Flexible Hoses Pose High Flood Risk

As a homeowner in Brisbane, when you think of the potential for flood damage to your home, you probably think of weather events. But you should know that there may be a tickin...

Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo: Nourish and Revitalize Your Hair

Are you ready to transform your hair from dull and lifeless to vibrant and full of life? Look no further than the luxurious embrace of Argan Oil-Infused Moroccanoil Shampoo! In a...

Times Magazine

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

How AI-Driven SEO Enhancements Can Improve Headless CMS Content Visibility

Whereas SEO (search engine optimization) is critical in the digital landscape for making connections to content, much of it is still done manually keyword research, metatags, final tweaks at publication requiring a human element that takes extensiv...

Crypto Expert John Fenga Reveals How Blockchain is Revolutionising Charity

One of the most persistent challenges in the charity sector is trust. Donors often wonder whether their contributions are being used effectively or if overhead costs consume a significant portion. Traditional fundraising methods can be opaque, with...

Navigating Parenting Arrangements in Australia: A Legal Guide for Parents

Understanding Parenting Arrangements in Australia. Child custody disputes are often one of the most emotionally charged aspects of separation or divorce. Parents naturally want what is best for their children, but the legal process of determining ...

Blocky Adventures: A Minecraft Movie Celebration for Your Wrist

The Minecraft movie is almost here—and it’s time to get excited! With the film set to hit theaters on April 4, 2025, fans have a brand-new reason to celebrate. To honor the upcoming blockbuster, watchfaces.co has released a special Minecraft-inspir...

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

LayBy Shopping