Wagga's grazing box businesses boom during lockdown

Grazing boxes, whether sweet or savoury, have taken off in the city as businesses either start up to meet the market or adapt due to the lockdowns.

Nakita Grentell has been in the food industry for a while and would often make the boxes of treats for her families and friends.

They encouraged her to put her name out there and start up a business.

So, in March this year, Mrs Grentell started up Make it Pretty Platters.

"I stopped working in 2019 with my little boy and was just helping my husband out with his business, but I wanted to do something creative," she said.

"It has been a bit quiet some weeks, but then last weekend it really ramped up."

Mrs Grentell said there has been an increase in the number of places offering grazing boxes on social media in Wagga but added that most of them seem to have plenty of variety.

She said customers could range from people wanting to organise stay-at-home date nights to some wishing to send gifts to friends or family they cannot see.

In March this year, sisters-in-law Kyra Stanfield and Logann Phelps decided to start up their business, the Boozy Brunch and Co..

"When Logan and I started it, we thought, 'oh this will be a bit of fun, what do we have to lose'," Ms Stanfield said.

"But, since restrictions, things have been going really well, and we did not expect it."

When the lockdown hit regional NSW about two weeks ago, it sent the women into "a bit of a panic".

"At first, we didn't know with the rules if we could keep going, but once we realised we could continue, we saw a great opportunity," Ms Stanfield said.

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"Everyone is in lockdown, and they are bored at home, so they are looking for some ways to help beat the blues.

"I also think people are missing some of the normal things they could do like go to brunch, and this kind of thing helps fill that gap."

Ms Stanfield said while she knows that the restrictions have been tough for some people and businesses, they are extremely grateful for all the support from locals.

She said "one beautiful" part of their job is when they get orders to send to someone with the message "thinking of you".

"Then, when it's delivered, it really raises people's spirits," Ms Stanfield said.

"We are very grateful, and we are thankful to the community for supporting us and supporting small local business."

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