Farm now delivering Family grab the bull by the horns to offer new service
ANDREA LAMBROU
A family-run farm has launched a doorstep delivery service to ensure people in isolation are getting the best local produce during the coronavirus pandemic.
For 50 years Park Farm in Auldhouse has been run by three generations of the Neilson family who milk up to 500 cows every day.
After struggling to make a profit due to poor milk prices and supermarket dominace, the farm took a further hit when the COVID-19 outbreak struck.
In a bid to show locals what was available on their doorstep and bring them the best fresh produce, they started a doorstep delivery service.
What’s Fresh signifies the farm’s next step in promoting sustainable agriculture and showcasing local produce.
A successful first week in operation saw 10 food parcels being generously donated to NHS Lanarkshire heroes.
Ross, who takes on the retail side of the business alongside his dad and two brothers who run the farm, told the News: “Last year I found myself becoming more interested in the idea of diversifying the farm business to consider retailing. For years I’ve watched the farm struggle to make a profit so this seemed like a timely and exciting opportunity.
“We started to look at the feasibility of that and when COVID-19 hit, it really forced our hand. It became quite obvious that now was a key time to provide a doorstep delivery service.
“But, more than that, bring the best local produce to people – partnering with local bakeries, butchers, dairies, etc to show people what was on their doorstep and remind them to support local family businesses.
“So from that, What’s Fresh was born. We put out our first round of deliveries last week and had a fantastic response.
“We also had a very generous customer purchase 10 boxes that he wished to donate to NHS staff and key workers; which was incredible warmly received. These boxes went to staff at Hairmyres, Hamilton Ambulance station and other workers in local care homes, community care and home helpers.”
Their products, which are delivered for free, include the Big Fresh box – an assortment of the highest quality essential items from local suppliers, which includes 4 pints of milk, 12 free-range eggs, farmhouse loaf, sourdough loaf, 8 rolls, 4 Malteaser cake slices, 2x 200g Dunlop Ayrshire cheese and Chapmans award-winning steak pie which serves four, all for £38.
Their Wee Fresh box includes: 2 pints of milk, 6 free-range eggs, farmhouse loaf, 4 rolls, 4 Malteaser cake slices, 200g Dunlop Ayrshire cheese and Chapmans awardwinning steak pie which serves 2, for £22.
And for an extra pound, customers can add a Stuarts Sourdough from Battlefield Bakery on to the Wee Fresh box.
Ross added: “Whilst we hadn’t planned to start up this soon, we believe that in the current situation, our deliveries can provide a valuable service to the communities of East Kilbride and surrounding areas.
“We have big plans to develop What’s Fresh that will include a new dairy, an app to simplify orders and electric delivery vans.
“As we grow, we hope to add more delivery options, more fresh produce choices and build a network of local producers who are all producing fantastic food.”
To place an order visit https://whatsfre. sh/shop