Finding something worthwhile during retirement is a dilemma that many older Australians face but for Denise and Stuart French, they have found their niche running a local fresh produce hub.

The couple moved from the Sutherland Shire to the Southern Highlands seven years ago and one of the highlights of their time in Bowral has been operating two Box Divvy hubs, connecting dozens of households with fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables while supporting Australian farmers at the same time.

Denise, 75, and Stuart, 77, had searched for fresh produce options when they moved to the area. When Denise discovered Box Divvy through a local Facebook post, the couple took over the Thursday food hub last August and soon added the Tuesday hub in November.

“We moved from the Sutherland Shire for a quieter life and found Bowral had the lifestyle we were looking for,” Denise said.

“But retirement can be isolating. Box Divvy gives us real social contact, keeps us active, and means we’re doing something that matters, not just couch surfing.”

They love the simplicity of the Box Divvy model with the transactions done via an app, meaning there’s no cash handling.

"It’s modern, flexible, and keeps my brain and body ticking," Denise added.

"I send out reminders, let people know about specials, and follow up orders all from home."

They are both pensioners so the supplementary small amount of flexible income has been handy.

"There aren’t many part-time jobs for people our age," she added with a laugh.

"No one wants you as a checkout chick.

"It's meaningful work too. You feel good knowing you’re helping farmers and cutting out the middlemen."