Pedalling Pantry: Birmingham’s first eco shop on wheels

Have you heard of Birmingham’s first zero-waste sustainable shop on two wheels yet? Say hello to Pedalling Pantry.

Launched last spring and run by Jas and her family, this unique proposition offers high quality groceries from local producers and independent businesses all delivered to your door on an environmentally friendly cargo bike (called Babs) or a hybrid electric van (called Bostin) for bigger orders.

Offering quality plastic-free fresh fruit and vegetable boxes as well as zero waste refillable pantry and household essentials, the small Brummie team supplies a range of goodies from local producers to bring you the best of Brum.

Whether you’re after a seasonal fruit and veg box (from £15), farm fresh eggs (from £1.80), pantry essentials like flour, or even a loaf or 5 of freshly baked sourdough, there’s a nice selection to choose from.

Not only that, but you’ll find a growing list of popular local independent producers like Pip’s Hot Sauce, Brummie Honey and Orientee Artisan Bakery. Local people working together to bring you quality groceries – what’s not to love about this?

It’s a brilliant eco business model, especially handy in the current climate of lockdowns and supermarket avoidance. The gang also support local food banks in Brum (currently South Birmingham Food Hub) by donating excess fruit and veggies to save waste – they’ll also collect any donations from you when they deliver if you’d like to donate items. The letter of the day is W and the word is Wholesome.

Speaking to owner Jas (she’s basically my online pen pal now) you can tell from the off she’s just a good person wanting to do something positive for her community. They even compost their food waste at a local community garden – genuinely this Covid start up project is so pure it makes me a bit emotional, to be honest.

Anyway! Enough gushing from me, here’s the lovely Jas (pictured above stocking up at the market) explaining more about the project in her own words:

“It started really organically last year – a little family, a big bike and a bright idea. The long queues sapping precious time and the produce suffocating in plastic particularly frustrated me. I thought there’s got another way, and how others must be feeling the same.

“It started small, mostly just helping our neighbours, and grew. All our boxes are curated with love and care, taking into consideration colours, textures and variety. We always source fresh seasonal ingredients, prioritising those grown locally at sustainably practicing farms.

“Local produce is picked the day before, delivered overnight to our suppliers and then we hand select the very best items in the morning for delivery that same day. Getting exceptionally fresh produce from farm to folk to fork is my main priority.

“We have forged fantastic relationships with our suppliers – they give us the best competitive prices they can and we pass this on to our customers, meaning it’s great value for money. Feeding you and your family healthy, nutritious food shouldn’t break the bank.

“We have lots of free delivery options as we want to make our service as accessible and affordable to as many people as possible, not just the elite few, and we’ll happily deliver free to anyone over 60 during the pandemic. Looking after our elders is vital.”

“We are part of the National Caterers Association and follow their Covid-19 procedures, so everything is handed over safely. Personally, I’m always proud to be serving the local community with my family during a strange time – we’re just happy people enjoy the service.”

Excuse me – did someone order an absolute rock star?

Interested? Click and collect is available from B1, or delivery can be made for free on orders over £30 within 4 miles, or for a small fee further afield (up to 6 miles). Gift cards are available on the website too if you think someone you know might like this concept, and you can follow Pedalling Pantry here for more information.