#support locals

Thosedonuts.bigcartel.com

Heeeeey guys so me and a couple of friends are doing a project and we are selling this shirts and hoddies, anyone interested send me a message, we are from Mexico so anyone from Mexico nos ayudarían bastante comprando. Thanks for your attention you can continue on your day 💛

sorry if I already shared these but I'm just once again thinking about the lovely interactions I had with this local artist and this local writer... I freaking love supporting people like them!!

the sinners art guy? corey I think... lovely man! he had so many beautiful art on his display and then we started talking about the media the art was about like this Sinners piece... he also recommended me other peeps in my area in the art scenario and that was super cool of him

So I wanted to add a stone to the structure and share with you the best initiatives that I found in Rotterdam to support local businesses. They are not necessarily ranked per preference (except for Rechtstreex, my personal favorite) as I didn’t (yet) get the chance to try them all.

Rechtstreex

Probably my best discovery so far. I knew Rechtstreex before the lockdown, but we only use it weekly since then. This platform was created in 2013. Basically, it is hub where a lot of local farmers and producers from Rotterdam and its surrounding area sell their products locally grown/made products. You purchase whatever you want, whether it is only one item or a week worth of groceries. Then you choose a collection point with your own “Wijkchef” (literally “District chief”, hello Susanne) who will receive all the products you ordered, and put them together for you. Then you only have to pick them up on a dedicated day (each pick-up point has its own day). Delivery is also possible.

What makes it different? + A map showing where your products come from. + The choice and flexibility of the website + Transparent price for each product + Large offer of plastic-free, organic products + Available for pick-up or delivery

Susanne my Wijkchef

Spring goodness

Markt010

At the beginning of the lockdown, as markets were shut down, Markt010 was launched by three students to help farmers in selling their products. Not only was it a good solution to help producers, but it also allowed consumers in “risk groups” to have access to fresh products with lower risks than in a supermarket. Veggie or fruit boxes, nuts, cheese, bread and even flowers, you can order on their website fixed boxes and pick them up on Saturday in the north of Rotterdam. You can go there by car, bike (of course) or simply walking.

I personally opt for the Fruitbox that I shared with friends and the price-quantity is stunning. Plus, it is very nice to see how this initiative have grown since its launch a few weeks back.

What makes it different? + Very affordable + Good quantity + Nice drive-through

  Localgoodnessbox*

This box was initiated by Jack Bean, a vegan fast food restaurant located in Rotterdam. Together with a bakery (Das Brot) and an organic farm (Landzicht Biologisch), they offer every week a box filled with plant-based goodness: sourdough bread, organic vegetables and ready-made vegan meals that you can pick-up in the centre of Rotterdam. Plus, you can add products from other brands such as Sambal, Tempeh, beers …

What makes it different? + 100% plant-based box + Fine products + Amazing sourdough bread + Available for pick-up or delivery

*Box offered

SupportYourLocals010

I didn’t personally try this one but still wanted to add it here as it fits perfectly in this article. Similarly to the previous ones, this initiative brings together different brands in two different weekly boxes that you can order on their website. In these boxes you can find a balance between daily products (fruits, vegetables and dairy) and more “fancy” ones such as beers, ready-made meals etc.

What makes it different? + You can choose between vegetarian/meat-based box + Entrepreneurs to support in the box change each week. + Delivery in Rotterdam and around every Thursday and Friday

And you, what are your favourite local initiatives to support at the moment?