Far North Queensland food delivery service Tablelands to Tabletop has been named the state's thirteenth #eatqld Champion.
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said Tablelands to Tabletop had been chosen for their creative approach to delivering Atherton Tablelands produce to consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Angela Nason started Tablelands to Tabletop as a way to help her father sell his limes after restaurants, cafes, and businesses were closed down due to COVID-19," Ms Lui said.
"Harnessing the power of social media, Angela began selling boxes of limes as a healthy way to boost vitamin C but quickly saw her business grow as other farmers saw an opportunity to sell produce such as dragonfruit, coconuts and avocadoes rather than having it go to waste."
"Tablelands to Tabletop now buys produce from 30 local Atherton Tablelands Farmers and delivers to customers on the Tablelands and Cairns, Karumba, Weipa, the Torres Strait, and local restaurants and cafes.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said every economy had been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic but agriculture was playing a key role as the Palaszczuk Government implements Queensland's $8 billion plan for economic recovery.
"Angela's example is truly inspirational as we unite and recover from the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," Mr Furner said.
"Tablelands to Tabletop will be a fine ambassador promoting Queensland's world of flavour from the state of delicious."
Tablelands to Tabletop founder Angela Nason said being an #eatqld Champion was a natural fit for someone who had built their business using social media.
"The response I received to shouting out to my friends was central to the success of Tablelands to Tabletop so being a #eatqld Champion seems a perfect way to promote the wonderful produce of Atherton Tablelands farmers," Ms Nason.
"We are blessed to have so much wonderful fresh food produced in this region and I am truly excited to be playing a part in seeing it get from the farm to the table.
"Healthy food is essential to a healthy body and mind and, in these very different times, doing something to promote our wonderfully delicious local produce while supporting local farmers seems like a perfect way to contribute to the community."
Mr Furner said the Queensland Government's #eatqld campaign encouraged the community to eat local, stay healthy and support jobs in the state's agricultural sector.
"Our produce is second to none. We are urging everybody to explore Queensland-grown food and when you do, we ask that you take a photograph and share it online using the hashtag #eatqld," Mr Furner said.
"By eating Queensland-produced meat, seafood, fruit, nuts and veggies you support everybody that brings that food to your table."
Previous #eatqld Champions include Creek to Coast host Scott Hillier, Walkamin entrepreneur Krista Watkins, Bowen horticulturalist Carl Walker, and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre's Executive Chef David Pugh.
