KISARAZU, Chiba -- Boxes of produce went on sale Thursday via drive-through at a roadside rest stop in Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture.
The rest stop, Michi-no-eki Kisarazu Umakuta no Sato began the project as a way to support local farmers who have seen a drop in their produce sales since the government's stay-at-home and business operation requests amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Each box contains 14 fresh fruits and vegetables, including daikon radishes, baby tomatoes, onions and local specialty biwa fruit. Also included are half a dozen of eggs and 1.5 kilograms of rice. At 4,000 yen including tax, the items in the box are roughly 20 - 30% cheaper than normal.
There was a line of over 10 vehicles at the rest stop even before sales began at 10 a.m. As the customer pays from the driver's seat, a rest stop employee loads the box into the car.
"I like how simple this drive-through system is," said a 48-year-old florist from within the city. "I was surprised to find rice and biwa in the box. I'd like to use this service again."
"Our lifestyles will change after the pandemic," said a spokesperson for the rest area. "I hope that this system will take root as the new way of selling farm produce."
The farm-fresh produce is sold at the rest stop from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Those wishing to make a purchase should make a reservation by 1 p.m. one day in advance by filling out and sending in a reservation form available online at http://chiba-kisarazu.com/drivethrough/.
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