Box Divvy brings savings and sustainability to North Turramurra
Fiona Watson, a longstanding North Turramurra resident, has been pivotal in providing fresh fruit and vegetables to her local community for 15 years. Her journey began with a local food co-operative founded by neighbours Anton van den Berg and Jayne Travers-Drapes. This initiative eventually evolved into Box Divvy, a thriving social enterprise with over 250 Hubs and 12,000 members across NSW and ACT.
Fiona's involvement began when her son was just starting preschool. Today, he is in Year 12. Taking on the challenge of running a Hub, Fiona successfully built a strong, supportive community from the ground up. When the cooperative transitioned into Box Divvy in 2019, Fiona seamlessly transferred her Hub, making it one of the first.
Box Divvy is a unique "un-supermarket" social enterprise aimed at saving money and promoting health by breaking away from traditional supermarket chains. With Box Divvy, members order only the items they need online weekly or fortnightly. The order is sent to a local "Hubster," who then packs all the orders for the Hub's members.
Over the past five years, Fiona’s Hub has thrived, maintaining long-standing members and expanding its reach. Currently, Fiona manages two bustling Hubs on Wednesdays and Thursdays, both operating at full capacity without the need for advertising as members advocate the benefits of Box Divvy when a space becomes available.
"The members of our Hub are truly fantastic," Fiona shares. "Everyone helps each other, whether it’s sharing recipes or picking up vegetables during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The sense of community is incredible."
By openly disclosing prices paid to growers and suppliers, Box Divvy offers produce up to 30% cheaper than supermarket options. Additionally, it ensures fair compensation for farmers, with 60 cents of every dollar spent going to them—twice the amount typically offered by supermarkets. Fiona says "It's about creating a fairer food system that benefits everyone.”
Fiona praises the North Turramurra community and its neighbouring suburbs for their exceptional support, noting the personal connections members have with founders Jayne and Anton. "Whenever you speak to Jayne and Anton, their passion is contagious. You always come away inspired, feeling like everything is going to work out."
Anton, now a farmer on the Mid North Coast, reflects on the journey: "It's amazing to think that the very beginnings of Box Divvy started in a street in North Turramurra. Seeing how it has grown is truly incredible, and it’s thanks to people like Fiona."
Being part of Box Divvy brings Fiona immense satisfaction. She enjoys saving money while supporting local and Australian growers, often sharing stories about the producers behind the fresh produce. "We know the names of some of these growers, and it’s wonderful to tell their stories and know that the produce is incredibly fresh, often arriving shortly after being picked."
Fiona also cherishes the opportunity to give back to the community. Each week, her Hub donates a community box through local school and church groups, assisting families in need. "This initiative has come full circle," Fiona says, "as some recipients of the community boxes have become Hub members themselves."
Despite her Hubs being at full capacity, Fiona encourages others to start their own. Her advice is simple: just do it. "There is plenty of support available, and the Hubsters are always willing to share their experiences. Starting a Hub is a fantastic way to connect with the community, help local growers, and bring fresh food to your neighbourhood. If you have the space and time, you won't regret getting involved with Box Divvy."
Box Divvy currently operates in NSW and ACT with a view to expanding nationally.
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