Amidst the latest panic buying with stock sell outs in major supermarkets, independent fruit and vegetable stores in South Australia have restocked, are staying open, and are offering home delivery and click and collect services.

As South Australia enters the lock down, independent fruit and veg stores continue to stock their shelves daily with fresh, locally-sourced, produce from the South Australian Produce Markets and continue to stay open as an integral component to our essential food service network.

Angelo Demasi, CEO South Australian Produce Market, said, “The South Australian Produce Market is considered an essential service and will remain open to supply the fresh fruit and vegetable retailer sector. Fruit Shops are also an essential service under the definition of fresh fruit retail.”

As many look for healthy options to keep their immune system boosted, local fresh produce is stocked on the shelves of our fruit and veg stores with many of these stores also offering delivery options to assist in minimising social contact.

With the closure of restaurants and take-aways, families will be cooking at home and be in need of fresh produce supplies.

With some 100 independently owned fruit and veg stores in the Pick a Local Pick SA! network, a list has been compiled of those retailers also offering a range of home delivery or call and collect services. These services allowing fresh produce to continue to be delivered to South Australians with minimal contact.

Pick a Local, Pick SA! Campaign Manager Penny Reidy said: “As well as a great range of fresh fruit and vegetables many independent stores also stock a range of locally sourced pastas, pasta sauces and pre-made meals and packs.”

“South Australia is fortunate to have an abundance of produce grown locally with more than enough supply to continue to feed our State.”

“We need to be supporting local independent business at this time. Theses independent retailers are South Australian families supporting South Australian growers and wholesalers.”

Shoppers should look for the Pick a Local Pick SA! signage in local fruit and vegetable stores to know they are supporting South Australian growers, wholesalers and retailers.