About 15 years ago, soon after I moved to Flintshire, I was on the hunt for locally grown veg. I was amazed that it was so hard to find. There was almost none; a company growing leeks commercially was the best I could do. So, I satisfied myself with buying their leeks in supermarkets and had some unsuccessful attempts at growing my own.
Then miraculously I met Nikki Giles at the Cilcain show advertising her idea for a CSA. My interest was not in growing, but an organisation dedicated to providing locally produced veg was right up my street. I was in!!
Over the years FlintShare has provided my family with amazing veg and fruit. I also learnt to grow – which was an unexpected bonus. My daughter developed an interest in growing veg, which is now being passed onto her children.
I remember a meal I produced in the early days. It was a Sunday veggi roast. All the veg on the plate was FlintShare grown, apart from the parsnips. My daughter, who was a good eater, ate everything on the plate except for the parsnips. ‘What’s wrong with the parsnips’ I said. ‘Dunno, they just don’t taste good’, was the young teenager’s response. Pretty conclusive evidence in my book that FlintShares veg was a cut above supermarket bought veg.
This year I have moved to Stafford and amazingly I am struggling to find locally produced veg again. I have found one supplier who provides organic veg boxes sourced from Manchester growers. The local grocers buys veg in from all over and not much is organic. I am really saddened that 15 years later the problem is just the same. I have been so spoilt with FlintShare on my doorstep and I am really missing access to good quality tasty veg. Supermarket organic veg really does not taste the same and is usually plastic wrapped.
I have retained my FlintShare membership so that I can come and get veg ever so often. Last weekend I made it back from N Wales with a large bag full of tasty veg. This week’s cooking and meals have been a treat. The freezer is defrosted and cleared out in preparation for my next visit.
Roll on FlintShare – you are very special.
Best Wishes
Sandi Eaton Richards