Stay Loyal to Local - how Tuppenny Barn has become a community hero

As the lockdown starts to loosen, could you tell us how things are going for you?

Things are going well! Our shop continues to be busy and we are looking ahead to see how and when we can safely and efficiently bring back “business as usual” with our events, education groups, horticulture therapy and more. We are grateful for having been able to remain open through these tough times and serving our local community with organic produce, predominantly grown on site.

In what ways has your business had to change and innovate over the last few weeks?

Because the presence of COVID-19 means no weddings, private hire, or events, 70% of Tuppenny Barn’s revenue stream has been lost. In response to the pandemic, we have refocused our efforts on providing food for those in the local community who are at-risk, self-isolating, or otherwise unable to go out for essential items through a Vulnerable Scheme. Since the scheme commenced on April 3rd, it has supported up to 39 people nearby.  Tuppenny Barn has also created a Hardship Food Fund to support local families in need. This scheme has supported nearly 80 people. We have also increased our original vegetable bag scheme to maximum capacity supporting 85 families each week.  

Are there any new products/services/procedures that you’ll be continuing?

We are in the process of deciding if we will continue our delivery service for the vulnerable and elderly after the threat of the pandemic passes. Stay tuned for more information!

What sort of support have you received from the local community during this time?
We have received huge support from the local community. We are so grateful for our Tuppenny Barn community, our customers new and old, and local partners who have stepped up to help fund and support our new delivery efforts. We are particularly grateful for the generous help and support from community partners like Fairshare, the Southbourne Co-op, Chichester District Council, Southbourne and Westbourne Parish Councils, Albert and Arthur florists, and SCF.

As we head into summer, how are you feeling about the weeks ahead?
We are feeling cautiously optimistic about the weeks ahead. The smallholding is flourishing and we have a great team here. We are staying vigilant and paying close attention to see how things change as lockdown eases, and we are eager to see how our role in the local community can morph and expand to accommodate changing needs. 

What would you say to local people to encourage them to pay you a visit?

Local people should pay us a visit because eating fresh, organic, local food is one of the best things you can do for your health - both physically and mentally. We have a great spread of not only fresh food but also plants for your garden, cut flowers, artisan bread from The Hampshire Real Bread Company, Fresh From the Boat fish, superfood snacks from Frog Hollow Catering, and more. Our shop is open Thursdays from 9am-4pm and we have effective social distancing measures in place to keep our customers and staff safe.

Why is it so important that people ‘Stay Loyal To Local’ going forward?

It’s becoming clearer and clearer that local businesses have stepped up in a big way during this time of crisis to support those in their community. People may have used local services that they hadn’t ever used before because that’s what was available. It’s so important that people continue to support these businesses moving forward so that the businesses can continue to not only exist, but also thrive and support local communities in new ways.