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

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

The Power of Community: How Support Services Improve Lives for People with Disabilities

(Source) Community extends beyond geographic boundaries because it creates a sense of belonging, where individuals become both visible and heard through supportive networks. A sui...

Aluminium vs. Steel Ladders: Which One is Best for Your Needs?

(Source) Every homeowner who reaches the attic for cobwebs alongside professional tradespeople finds reliable ladders essential for their work. A comparison between aluminium ladd...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"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 ...

LayBy Shopping