The Aim of this Guide
The aim of this guide is to promote stronger ties between local food producers and consumers. The Wellington guide consists of a list of food and drink producers selling fresh, local products to local consumers. It also includes sources of organic produce which is not necessarily local in origin. Its objective is to provide a more sustainable, healthier, more economic and environmentally friendly alternative to supermarket shopping. The Guide also offers information on
"food miles",food poverty, allotments and genetically modified food issues. To see the list of local suppliers please click here.
Food Solutions
Today we expect to eat what we like, when we like. Some food cannot be grown in Britain such as bananas and coffee, but a wide variety of foods can be produced locally at appropriate times of the year. We can eat local seasonal food, instead of purchasing out of season imported products. This will help keep local farmers in business and reduce our need for imports. Local seasonally grown food typically brings benefits such as:-
Less air pollution
Reduced traffic on our roads
Fewer chemicals sprayed on food
Improved health through better nutrition
Local jobs for local people
Increased access and choice to fresh local produce
This also brings a feeling of well-being as we return to a closer harmon with the cycles of nature and we rediscover our food. Many childdren and young people are disconnected from raw, fresh foods.
Why Eat Local Food?
Buying local food helps encourage local economic activity, eliminating much of the need for packaging, and reducing long-distance transport. Small scale producers can help increase farm diversity and as a result improve agricultural stability and wildlife habitats.
Local supplies may be fresher, healthier and more nutritious, as it does not travel so far. Large food retailers often use a lot of preservatives to keep food fresher during long distance transport.
Being more self-sufficient will not only reduce environmental damage caused by the long distance transportation of goods, but it will also help achieve the Local Agenda 21 objective of living our lives in a more sustainable way, by helping ensure that the quality of life we leave for our children is at least as good as our own.
Most of all it brings local producers and local consumers closer together which is better for people and the planet.
It is hoped this guide will help encourage local people to take advantage of this local supply of food and drink.