Queen of Greens goes greener

With support from Bridging the Gap, Queen of Greens customers can now purchase fresh organic food from worker co-operative and organic wholesaler Organic North at the same prices they have been paying for non-organic alternatives. The pilot will be supplying organic potatoes, carrots, greens, bananas and apples, plus other seasonal treats. 

The Queen of Greens bus tours around areas of Liverpool and Knowsley that are underserved for fresh fruit and vegetables. The bus sells fresh affordable produce and accepts Alexandra Rose vouchers, Healthy Start, cash and card. Greengrocers Paul and Pete will always greet customers with a cheery smile and offer advice on any produce. 

Following a number of consultations, Queens of Greens have found that people across Liverpool and Knowsley have an interest in accessing sustainable climate and nature friendly food but face barriers around access and cost. The service now looks to bridge that gap two-fold – 1) providing access through the network of stops and community supply (supplying pantries and schools as well); and 2) using the funding to keep price parity with what people are currently paying for conventional produce and ‘trade them up’ to organic and agroecological.

Food that is good for people and the planet, benefits communities and supports decent livelihoods is currently more expensive than food that is bad for health and produced in ways that damage the planet. We want to change that by bridging the gap between communities experiencing low incomes and health inequalities, with affordable and planet-friendly food that enables everyone to enjoy a universally healthy, just and sustainable food system.

Faith Holland, Head of Operations, Alexandra Rose Charity says:

"It's fantastic that Queen of Greens has received funding to offer organic fruit and veg to their customers at no extra cost. Our Liverpool Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg Project works hand in hand with Queen of Greens to improve access to healthy fruit and veg. We’re excited that families receiving Rose Vouchers will benefit from this new initiative that will also support local producers of healthy and sustainable food."

Melisa Campbell, Associate Director of Public Health – Children and Young People & Health Improvement in Liverpool endorsed the pilot, saying:

“The Queen of Greens is a fantastic initiative improving access to healthy, affordable fruit and vegetables in communities in Liverpool where access to healthy food is limited. Increasing this offer to include organic produce will encourage others to utilise the Queen of Greens from a climate perspective. Having such a varied offer available in the heart of our communities supports the goal of the Good Food Plan ensuring everyone in our City has access to healthy, nutritious, sustainable food.”

Bridging the Gap is led by Sustain, Alexandra Rose Charity and Growing Communities, in partnership Nourish Scotland, Nourish NI and Food Sense Wales with the goal of making healthy and sustainable food that’s good for people and the planet accessible to all.

For more details on the bus service and stops visit Queen of Greens.

Visit Bridging the Gap for more pilots