In response to the growing demand for sustainable living, The Green Box was established to bridge the gap between local farmers and residents in St Francis Bay. It has since become a cornerstone of community development.
Catherine Falconer, Founder of The Green Box, recalls a pivotal conversation in 2017 with fellow mothers in St Francis Bay, where they collectively expressed a strong desire to support environmental sustainability and local entrepreneurship.
This conversation inspired her to develop an innovative farm-to-table model, partnering with local farmers to deliver fresh produce directly to clients, eliminating plastic packaging.
Falconer then began working closely with five local suppliers, namely The Farmyard Nursery, Papillon Organics, Gourmet to Go, The St Francis Bakery, and One 33, which all shared her sentiment towards organic produce.
Since then, she has continued to expand The Green Box’s offerings by engaging with local farmers, bakers, and cooks, integrating their products into the catalogue upon verification of their local production processes.
As part of The Green Box ordering process, residents must make their purchases online, and the fresh produce is delivered to their doorstep once a week.
“I don’t believe in creating competition between suppliers; I believe in encouraging everyone to feel supported with the hope and concept of supporting as many of our local businesses as we can,” said Falconer.
Now, seven years later, The Green Box, managed by Pearl Ziyanda Ngxaxoxo, along with the additional staff members, Khanyiswa Ngxaxoxo (affectionately known as “Mama Pearl”), and Asi Siposetu Boltina, has expanded to offer a platform for more than 20 local farmers, bakers, bee-keepers, and chefs providing home-made meals.
Elmo Fredericks, a Papillon Organics team member, conducts weekly Thursday deliveries through an arrangement graciously provided by the owners, Ruan and Marijke Botha.
“I am very thankful for the support of my family, my staff who are now like family to me, and our community. I am very thankful to live here with such wonderful people in this beautiful place,” said Falconer.
“I must also be honest and say that The Green Box has grown through the incredible support and feedback from our St Francis Bay community. We have faithful clients who have been with us from the start and have supported and encouraged us since day one. This community is very passionate about its environment and supporting local business.”
Clint Carstens, owner of The Farmyard Nursery, said that the growing demand for clean and ethical farming practices has led consumers to seek out diverse fresh produce, often requiring to travel to multiple locations.
Fortunately, he said that The Green Box has filled a critical gap in the market by offering a one-stop shop for organic goods, greatly benefiting the local community.
The Farmyard Nursery’s partnership with The Green Box, spanning nearly five years, has enabled Carstens to provide locals with certified organic, free-range eggs from his farm of 900 chickens.
In addition, he also produces seeds and seedlings, which he offers directly to his customers.
“A lot of people have forgotten what proper food tastes like and consume mass-produced products that are not good for our environment. Local farmers produce quality products and people can taste the difference,” said Carstens.
He further emphasised that The Green Box’s supplier relationships are instrumental in sourcing top-tier organic products, thereby meeting the community’s expectations for quality and sustainability.
Dial Chakuma, a former employee of The Farmyard Nursery, leveraged the expertise gained during his four-year tenure to successfully establish his own garden in St Francis Bay in 2022.
Since then, he has successfully grown fresh vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, spring onion, kale, red and white onion, and beetroot.
Chakuma’s passion for gardening and commitment to community-driven initiatives led him to reconnect with Falconer, now supplying The Green Box with vibrant, locally grown produce.
“The community often buys some of my vegetables which has been great, but through The Green Box I am able to sell products to many more people in St Francis Bay,” said Chakuma.
