From now until April 13^th 2017, Aussie Farmers Direct will donate $1 from every Seasonal Vegetable box and $2 from every Family Fruit & Veg box purchased to support rural and regional communities of Queensland impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie and the resulting floods.

The funds will be donated to the Aussie Farmers Foundation, which helps Australia’s farming communities thrive by supporting them during tough times.

Cyclone Debbie hit the "food bowl of the north" around Bowen on the Queensland central coast, which supplies at least 90% of the tomatoes and capsicums eaten in Australia in the winter months.

With the cyclone and its aftermath heavily affecting Queensland, Aussie Farmers Direct CEO Brendan Shaw said it was vital that as much support as possible be given to the affected farming communities.

“The disaster is still unfolding, so we know the impact is only going to get bigger for farming communities in Queensland,” said Mr Shaw.

“At this critical time, we’re asking our customers to help support the farmers and growers who are feeding the rest of the country, by purchasing a Family or Seasonal box of 100% Australian fresh fruit and vegetables. 

“As well as the money that goes directly to disaster relief efforts, customers can be assured that the produce they purchase helps keep local farms up and running, ensuring vibrant and sustainable rural communities,” said Mr Shaw.

Aussie Farmers Foundation Executive Officer Julia Hunter said the Foundation understands the challenges that farming communities are experiencing.

“The Aussie Farmers Foundation has already been a major contributor to disaster relief for farming communities for some time now,” Ms Hunter said.

“We recognise that disasters have a long-lasting impact and farming communities will be doing it tough for some time, so we will be partnering with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to help communities during the recovery phase.”

Mr Shaw emphasised that “At Aussie Farmers Direct, we have been passionate supporters of the Australian farming community since we first started the company more than ten years ago, and we want to do our part to help them access the resources they and their communities need.”

To purchase an Aussie Farmers Direct fresh fruit and veg box, which start from $28, please go to: https://www.aussiefarmers.com.au/fresh-to-your-door/fruit-and-veg-boxes/fruit-and-veg-boxes/

Direct donations can be made to the Aussie Farmers Foundation by visiting http://www.aussiefarmersfoundation.org.au/donate-now/

 About Aussie Farmers Direct: Aussie Farmers Direct has been delivering Australian made and grown food from the farm-gate straight to the front door to over 100,000 Australians for more than ten years. It is a unique business that puts purpose before profit, supports fair farm-gate prices, pairs old fashion values with a modern, convenient way of shopping, and works to reduce food kilometres.

About Aussie Farmers Foundation: Aussie Farmers Foundation invests in vital grassroots projects in rural and regional Australia – thanks to the generosity of the Australian community. It targets five priorities affecting country Australia: disaster relief, mental health support, farm sustainability, food relief and healthy country kids. Aussie Farmers Foundation was formed in 2010 and since then has given over $1.3 million in grants to rural and regional communities in need, partnering with best practice organisations who are already working on the ground in these communities.