Grainger market delivery service reaches thousands across Newcastle

Thousands of families in Coronavirus lockdown have bought food and groceries through the Grainger Market’s new delivery service.

Boxes of food and groceries awaiting delivery by the Grainger Market Delivery Service

In just a fortnight traders, with the support of Newcastle City Council and NE1, have provided around 6,000 boxes of meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese, baked goods and – particularly with Good Friday approaching – fish, to more than 1,300 Tyneside homes.

Businesses step up to meet coronavirus challenge

Cllr Ged Bell, the authority’s cabinet member for employment and culture, said: “It has been fantastic to see how independent businesses have stepped up to meet the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and how we as a council have been able to support that.

“The work of traders in our iconic Grainger Market, with support from superb volunteers and city council staff, is testament to our collective spirit in these difficult times.

“To reach so many people with deliveries of fresh, high-quality food and essential items in such a short space of time is a magnificent achievement.”

Council supports traders' delivery service

To support the traders, Newcastle City Council redeployed a number of staff and vehicles from its parking services team to help make deliveries.

Chair of the Grainger Market Traders group John Phillips, who runs Oliver’s Café, said stalls had been processing up to 300 orders per day.

“I think when we started some traders were sceptical that we’d be able to pull off such a mammoth task,” he said. “But it has been inspirational to see all the different organisations - Newcastle City Council, NE1, traders and a host of friendly volunteers - all working together for the community. It’s brilliant.

“Even where some traders might usually be in competition with each other, during this spell they are helping each other out, and trying to offer differ things so customers can get a better choice.”

Fruit and veg 'a popular choice'

Among the produce available from 13 traders, fruit and vegetables have been a popular choice for customers.

And with Good Friday looming sales of items like hot cross buns from the French Oven Bakery, and fish from both Lyndsays and Chirtons fishmongers have increased.

John said: “What is incredible is the feeling when you are delivering, knowing you are making a difference to people lives.”