Over the years, more and more initiatives have sprung up to stimulate the consumption of fruit and veg. One example of such a concept are vegetable bags for students and lecturers at various universities. An Op de Beeck, coordinator of Komida at the University of Antwerp, says they've been participating in the initiative since 2009.
The bio market organized at the University of Antwerp last year. Pictured is Dorinne Agemans of Voedselteams, presenting the organic products and vegetable bags to visiting students.
The vegetable bags in Antwerp are coordinated by Voedselteams vzw (www.voedselteams.be), a not-for-profit association that links consumers and farmers, with groups of families purchasing their sustainable basic products directly from local producers. A few years ago, this system was expanded so that students and staff of UAntwerp can now also enjoy delicious fruit and vegetables every week. These can be easily ordered online and collected at any campus.
Increase
Antwerp definitely sees an increase in vegetable bag sales numbers. "The first academic year, we sold 466 bags. Year after year, we saw that number go up: In the first 4 months of this academic year (October until January) 1,100 bags were sold already. That's not bad, considering there are still 5 months to go, and last year around 1,800 bags were sold. Sales are still increasing each year, so there's definitely a market for it."
All products organic
There are several fruit and vegetable bags to choose from. "All products were produced organically or sustainably and ecologically responsible, something the organization consciously opted for. For people who live in the city, sustainable and local food doesn't always come natural, so these systems are most welcome. All products supplied to UAntwerp are first collected and packaged at 'De Wijngaardhof', a cultivation company from Westmalle. Most products originate from this grower, truly local in other words, although he sometimes supplements the bags with fruit and vegetables from fellow growers or the organic auction."
Voedselteams makes sure growers receive a fair price. "That means they will be paid for the time and money they put into their products. A bit of a fair trade story, in other words. It's not the case that students get these vegetables at a lower price. No, the grower gets a fair price. And our grower deserves it, because the products he supplies are just delicious!"
The grower's website: www.wijngaardhof-biogroenten.be
The grower's website: www.wijngaardhof-biogroenten.be