One reason why I also decided to âkick-startâ my blog, regards this whole situation with social distanciation, or god-knows-how-wanna-call it. Letâs face it, the situation is, and will be, pretty bad economically speaking. Coffeeâs, restaurants, producers are kinda in a shitty position. But one thing which always amazes me is the ability of Rotterdam and its Rotterdammers to always get back on their feet. I think the motto of the city #MakeItHappen really describes the mindset in here very well. And that is why I love this city so much (weâll get the chance to discuss it later).
So I wanted to add a stone to the structure and share with you the best initiatives that I found in Rotterdam to support local businesses. They are not necessarily ranked per preference (except for Rechtstreex, my personal favorite) as I didnât (yet) get the chance to try them all.
Rechtstreex
Probably my best discovery so far. I knew Rechtstreex before the lockdown, but we only use it weekly since then. This platform was created in 2013. Basically, it is hub where a lot of local farmers and producers from Rotterdam and its surrounding area sell their products locally grown/made products. You purchase whatever you want, whether it is only one item or a week worth of groceries. Then you choose a collection point with your own âWijkchefâ (literally âDistrict chiefâ, hello Susanne) who will receive all the products you ordered, and put them together for you. Then you only have to pick them up on a dedicated day (each pick-up point has its own day). Delivery is also possible.
What makes it different? + A map showing where your products come from. + The choice and flexibility of the website + Transparent price for each product + Large offer of plastic-free, organic products + Available for pick-up or delivery
Susanne my Wijkchef
Spring goodness
Markt010
At the beginning of the lockdown, as markets were shut down, Markt010 was launched by three students to help farmers in selling their products. Not only was it a good solution to help producers, but it also allowed consumers in ârisk groupsâ to have access to fresh products with lower risks than in a supermarket. Veggie or fruit boxes, nuts, cheese, bread and even flowers, you can order on their website fixed boxes and pick them up on Saturday in the north of Rotterdam. You can go there by car, bike (of course) or simply walking.
I personally opt for the Fruitbox that I shared with friends and the price-quantity is stunning. Plus, it is very nice to see how this initiative have grown since its launch a few weeks back.
What makes it different? + Very affordable + Good quantity + Nice drive-through
 Localgoodnessbox*
This box was initiated by Jack Bean, a vegan fast food restaurant located in Rotterdam. Together with a bakery (Das Brot) and an organic farm (Landzicht Biologisch), they offer every week a box filled with plant-based goodness: sourdough bread, organic vegetables and ready-made vegan meals that you can pick-up in the centre of Rotterdam. Plus, you can add products from other brands such as Sambal, Tempeh, beers âŠ
What makes it different? + 100% plant-based box + Fine products + Amazing sourdough bread + Available for pick-up or delivery
*Box offered
SupportYourLocals010
I didnât personally try this one but still wanted to add it here as it fits perfectly in this article. Similarly to the previous ones, this initiative brings together different brands in two different weekly boxes that you can order on their website. In these boxes you can find a balance between daily products (fruits, vegetables and dairy) and more âfancyâ ones such as beers, ready-made meals etc.
What makes it different? + You can choose between vegetarian/meat-based box + Entrepreneurs to support in the box change each week. + Delivery in Rotterdam and around every Thursday and Friday
And you, what are your favourite local initiatives to support at the moment?
 Supporting locals in Rotterdam One reason why I also decided to "kick-start" my blog, regards this whole situation with social distanciation, or god-knows-how-wanna-call it.














