News from ViSTA
Making Local Food Work
In these days of rising fuel prices and concerns about food security, Somerset is very fortunate to have won funding to wave the flag for local, sustainable food.
A nation-wide project has been developed with partners passionate about good access to local, healthy food and the Big Lottery Changing Spaces fund will be investing £10m over the next 5 years.
Reconnecting people and land through local food is the primary aim of this programme and in Somerset work is focussed on supporting the wide range of flourishing food co-ops across the county, learning from their experience and sharing it with the rest of the country.
So what exactly is a food co-op?
In essence it's where people come together to use their collective purchasing power to buy local food, often in places where local food is just not easy to find anymore or to proactively support local producers or to achieve economies of scale. They are usually run in a `not for private profit' way by volunteers based in community centres, family centres, schools, workplaces or from a member's front room or garage!
The idea is that you regularly order a weekly bag or box of lovely fresh seasonal local produce which is delivered to a convenient location near you. Both you and the food get to minimise the distance needed to travel, saving on fuel costs. The result: maximum freshness, less carbon emissions, shorter and more secure supply chains, direct income for the producer plus new friendships and experiences into the bargain.
If you'd like to know where your nearest food co-op is or you'd like advice on how to set one up in your street, village, local community centre, school or workplace get in touch with either Linda or Caroline at Somerset Community Food on 01458 832983 or visit www.somersetcommunityfood.org.uk
Created on August 19th 2008
Telephone: 08453 580372