Q&A with Jayne Travers-Drapes, Co-Founder of Box Divvy, on Their Expansion and Mission
Q: Box Divvy has recently moved to a larger warehouse in South Granville. What prompted this expansion?
Jayne Travers-Drapes: We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for our services. Many of our Food Hubs have reached capacity, and we wanted to ensure we could continue to meet the needs of our growing community. The new warehouse allows us to expand our capacity and offer a wider range of pantry items, making it easier for families to access fresh, affordable produce and groceries.
Q: How does Box Divvy operate, and what makes it different from traditional grocery shopping?
Jayne: Box Divvy connects local farmers and wholesalers with communities through a network of Hubs, which are often set up in carports or garages or community centres. Each Hub is managed by a ‘Hubster’ who organises orders for 40-50 families using the Box Divvy app. The produce is delivered in bulk to the Hub, packed by the Hubster, and then picked up by local families. This model not only ensures fresh, high-quality produce but also reduces waste and promotes community engagement.
Q: Can you tell us more about the community aspect of Box Divvy?
Jayne: Absolutely. Community is at the heart of what we do. Hubsters play a vital role in managing the Hubs and engaging with families. They share information about where the food comes from and how to use it, often through social media. It’s a fantastic way to build connections, and the stories we hear from our communities are truly inspiring. Being a Hubster takes just a few hours a week; they are renumerated for their rime and it is a great way to contribute to local wellbeing.
Q: What are some of the key benefits for farmers and members who participate in Box Divvy?
Jayne: For farmers, Box Divvy offers fair compensation. They receive 60 cents on the dollar, which is significantly higher than the 30 cents typically paid by supermarkets. This helps support sustainable farming practices and local agriculture. For our members, the benefits are twofold: they get access to fresh produce at prices up to 30% lower than supermarkets, and they can customise their orders to reduce waste. This fair trade approach also extends to Hubsters, who are compensated for their work, creating local job opportunities.
Q: How did Box Divvy get started, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Jayne: Anton and I started Box Divvy after working with the Western Sydney Diabetes Alliance. We saw firsthand the high rates of Type 2 diabetes in the region, largely driven by poor dietary choices. We wanted to create a solution that made fresh, healthy food accessible and affordable for everyone. Box Divvy was our answer, providing a platform that not only delivers quality produce but also educates people on how to incorporate it into their diets.
Q: You mentioned sustainability. How is Box Divvy working to reduce its environmental impact?
Jayne: Sustainability is a key value for us. We’re currently exploring ways to improve our carbon footprint, including potential initiatives like installing solar energy systems on our delivery trucks. We’re also looking into partnerships for recycling soft plastics. Our goal is to create a sustainable food system that benefits everyone – from the farmers to the families we serve.
Q: What does this new warehouse mean for the future of Box Divvy?
Jayne: This new warehouse represents a significant milestone for us. It’s not just about increasing our capacity; it’s about reinforcing our commitment to growing a sustainable, community-focused food system. We’re excited to double our customer base in the coming year and expand nationally by 2025. The support we’ve received from our members and partners has been incredible, and we’re looking forward to what’s next.
Q: How can someone get involved with Box Divvy or become a Hubster?
Jayne: Getting involved is easy. You can visit our website to find a local Hub or start one yourself. Becoming a Hubster is a rewarding way to engage with your community, support local farmers, and make fresh food accessible to everyone. There are no startup costs because our goal is simple: we want this model to succeed and become embedded in communities everywhere. We provide all the tools and support needed to get started, making it easy for anyone to join our mission and make a difference.
