Directories - Farm shops and
Veg box schemes ...

Shopping for your '5 a day'!

As parents we all face many thorny issues to do with the food our children eat. Too much fat, salt and sugar is a recipe for poor health! Sweeteners, colourings, flavourings and preservatives equal hyperactivity! Now we must give them their 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. and if our children are fussy eaters, it's a minefield!

Since the wonderful free fruit '5 a day' Fruit and Vegetable Scheme started in my kids' school, I've seen a marked change of interest at the sight of crunchy salads and fresh vegetables. They are becoming fruit feasters and carrot munchers!

Farm Shops

Shopping with kids in farm shops can be an altogether happier and healthier experience than the local supermarket. The pester power is still there but it is more joyous! My young boys are determined to do their own self-service pick 'n' mix assortments of apples, peppers and mushrooms. They are fascinated by the different shapes and colours, and they love to be able to choose for themselves. Many farm shops offer a cornucopia of super-fresh vegetables at kid's eye-level, and children love to be able to see all the produce clearly and ask questions.

At St. Kew Harvest, near Wadebridge 01208 841818, the shop and café overlooks the fields where pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries and vegetables will also be available this summer. Children can't resist tasting sun-warmed fruit from the field!

Richards' Farm Shop, near Hayle 01736 757888, sell their own daffodils, vegetables, salad crops and strawberries. They also have food tasting sessions on Saturdays.

Cornish Organics, near Redruth 01209 215789, offers a complete range of organic produce: vegetables from Cusgarne Organics, cream and butter from Barwick Farm, Helsett ice-cream, and her own home-made organic bread and buns.

Ralph Michell's, Higher Calenick Farm, Kea, near Truro 01872 271066, is a farm based butcher selling superb home-produced, locally slaughtered meat from traditional breeds (my children love spotting all the live animals on the farm).

Bre Pen Farm Shop, near Newquay 01637 860420, sell their own lamb, vegetables, freerange eggs, and fabulous homemade jams and cakes.

Trevathan Farm, at St Endellion 01208 880164 have a pets' corner, children's play area and a café serving delicious farm foods.

Gear Farm, near Helford 01326 221150, and Trevaskis Farm Shop, Connor Downs 01209 713931 also have good cafés.

Organic Food

Sales of organic produce now account for half of the entire baby food market. We may not know the long term effect that consuming food pesticides may have on people's health, but it is widely accepted that young children are more vulnerable to harm from toxic chemicals than adults. With organic produce we know that no chemical sprays have been used. Many people also prefer organic food because it tastes better, and children are amazingly discerning when it comes to taste.

The Natural Store, with shops in Helston and Falmouth, are delightful, family-friendly stores with a wide range of organic and natural products including breads, organic vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, babies' and children's goods (Tushies nappies, Teetha, toiletries etc), healthy children's snack bars and dairy products.

Carleys, Truro 01872 277686, have over 4,000 lines of eco-friendly household products, including grocery boxes, which can be delivered free to your home for orders over £50. There are several excellent Veg Box schemes in Cornwall which deliver to your home. Boxes will often contain unusual and interesting vegetables and a broad range of herbs and fruit. We enjoy the surprise of what will be in the box each week. Boxes sometimes come with information sheets, cooking tips and recipe ideas.

Cusgarne Organic Boxes deliver an excellent range of largely home-produced veggies, herbs, sprouting seeds, fruit and eggs. They also sell home-reared beef and chicken, honey and condiments. See below for details of Riverford's comprehensive range. We particularly liked the storage information and recipes accompanying their boxes.

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