A new community initiative to bring together the best of Pudsey’s independent food and grocery onto a single website and deliver it to customers’ doorsteps has expanded – a little more than a month after its launch.
Foodistry is the brainchild of a group of food enthusiasts aiming to bring Pudsey’s high street and market into people’s homes during the Covid pandemic via a single delivery.
One of the people behind the initiative, Pudsey resident James Crabtree, said Foodistry is aimed at supporting local, independent traders in the town – and is already expanding its delivery service beyond Pudsey itself.
Director of operations James Crabtree said:
“We have had a fantastic response since we went live at the end of January. Our first day’s delivery was hindered somewhat with heavy snow, but we persevered and made all the drops.
“In the last week, due to numerous requests, we have opened up a number of new delivery slots and delivery areas and now reach out to Horsforth, Apperley Bridge, Stanningley, Farsley, Bramley and Calverley. We believe the quality of food we are delivering is second to none and is also sourced locally where possible.
“Foodistry isn’t just a community initiative, but in these uncertain times we provide a service that cuts the stress out of queuing, doesn’t involve any social distancing and there’s absolutely no need to travel anywhere.”
In the first month of business they have secured a number of Pudsey-based and West Leeds retailers including Bentley’s Butchers, SB Bakery, Bone A Pet Treats, Stephenson’s Pies, The Pudsey Milkman as well as their own brands, working in conjunction with local food producers.
Mr Crabtree, who is also a leading light in the Litter-Free Pudsey group and a WLD Good Egg award winner, added:
“With more and more retailers looking to change the way they sell, the Foodistry platform offers a rent-free, virtual shop window for their loyal existing customers as well as new ones that come to the site. Foodistry’s ever-expanding network is looking to add new and exciting shops to their offer, including flowers, dog treats, takeaway food items, a vegan range and a store cupboard offer.”
More details on the Foodistry website and its Facebook page or e-mail hello@foodistry.co.uk.
