Digital map shows more than 200 farm shops and local producers offering deliveries across South Downs

Since the website’s launch two weeks ago, more than 2,300 people have used the map to find businesses offering deliveries on everything from fresh pies to fruit juice.

Alongside local producers and farm shops, the map features organisations that have had to quickly adapt to the needs of the community, including a pub offering food boxes and a museum opening a village supplies shop.

The map also provides the details for 74 community support groups, covering the area from Emsworth to Wickham.

The interactive tool was put together as ‘a big proportion’ of rural communities faced lockdown without access to a large supermarket, according Kat Beer, who works in the sustainable economy team and has been helping to put together the resource.

She said: ‘During this challenging time we felt it was important to help connect our communities by providing information on local food and drink suppliers, and other help available, particularly for the vulnerable and elderly.

‘We felt it was crucial to help signpost people to the resources available locally.

‘We have been overwhelmed by how many food and drink businesses have been able to adapt their operations and support people to access food, drink and other supplies.’

The Royal Oak pub, in West Lavington, Midhurst, is one of those listed on the map and has been helping to provide fresh food boxes for the local community.

Frankie Swan, who runs the pub, said: ‘I set up a community hub at the pub, offering fresh meat and fish boxes, fresh fruit and vegetable boxes and an essentials shopping list.

‘We’re also making weekly batches of ready meals, all of which are being delivered locally to residents.

‘We are going to continue offering our food boxes as long as they are needed, but will be offering our new takeaway service from April 17.

‘We have certain dishes on that menu which are available at 50 per cent off for all emergency services workers and anyone over 70.’

The map can be viewed on the South Downs website.

Information on the site will be updated weekly.

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