yourtomorrow

Picking the right scheme for you can make all the difference between whether your box scheme experience is just a six week honeymoon or whether it becomes a long term commitment you enjoy.

But its not always easy to find the right veg box scheme. Where do you start? How do you choose the right supplier for you? To make the choice easier, here are 10 questions you should ask yourself, before even picking up the phone:

1. Do you want a local or national scheme?
   If you want to minimise food miles and support the local food economy, you should make sure you choose a veg box scheme run by local farmers, rather than a national scheme that may travel hundreds of miles to get to you.

2. Do you want fruit, vegetables or both?

3. How important are food miles to you?
   Dont assume that organic box schemes mean local food. Many schemes source up to 40% of their produce from abroad - or at least from the opposite end of the UK.

4. Can you opt out of stuff you hate?
   If you know that nobody in your family is ever going to be persuaded to eat celery, can you request something different instead?

5. Whats their policy on quality?
   Whats the companys policy on replacing stuff that arrives in an unacceptable condition?

6. Do you have anywhere safe to receive deliveries?
   If youre not likely to be in when the box is delivered, is there anywhere shady, secure and dry they can leave your fruit and veg?

7. Do you know anyone else who is happy with their veg box?
   Recommendation is the best way to find a box scheme provider. Its reassuring to know someone who is happy with their delivery, before you commit.

8. Can you get a sample box?
   Can you sign up for a one-off delivery, to test the quality and the concept of a veg box?

9. Weekly / fortnightly deliveries?
   Not everyone needs a veg box each week. Some people prefer to receive one once a fortnight. If this is important for you, check whether its an option.

10. Notice period for changes
    If youre going on holiday, how much notice do they need to cancel your box?

To find out more about veg box schemes, with loads of delicious recipes and a picture gallery, to help you identify the more obscure veggies, visit www.vegbox-recipes.co.uk