Food Policy

What is Local Food?

Local food is produce grown, processed and packed close to where it is eaten. It could mean food grown in your back garden, within your home county or within the country you reside.

Why Buy Local?

• Locally grown food tastes better: Other than growing your own local food is the freshest produce you can buy. The fresher the produce – the more flavour it has.
• Locally grown food is better for your health: The fresher your food – the higher in nutrients it is. Local food is also less likely to have been waxed or given other weird treatments to stop it perishing on long journeys.
• Locally grown food is better for the environment: Local food hasn’t travelled far to reach you. The journey uses less petrol/diesel so doesn’t pollute the atmosphere (the air we breathe!) as much as non-local, air-freighted produce.
• Locally grown food is better for the economy: By buying local you are supporting British farmers. This helps to create jobs and increase the supply of healthy, locally grown food.

What Is Organic?

Organic means food grown WITHOUT using harsh chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Organic is often perceived as being expensive (and is in some very overpriced supermarkets) – but it’s possible to eat organic without breaking the bank. Go to Take Action to find out how.

Why Eat Organic?

• Organic food reduces your exposure to chemicals: Eating organic food reduces your exposure to agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers which are absorbed into your body when you eat non-organic produce.
• Organic food is better for the environment: The process of making agricultural chemicals uses lots of fossil fuels which when burnt releases carbon into the atmosphere and speeds up climate change. Organic farmers DO NOT use such chemicals.
• Organic food is good for Bees: Many agricultural chemicals harm Bees and other pollinators crucial to our food supply. Without these little insects there would be no food – so we better look after them!
• Organic food helps build our future food security: Organic farming offers a solution of how to feed the planet without ruining the environment – something anyone whom drinks water, breaths air and eats food should be interested in!

What Is Seasonal?

Thanks to supermarket aisles being stuffed with tomatoes, blueberries, courgettes and strawberries all year round most people have forgotten what it means to eat seasonally. In practice it means not buying fresh produce flown in from far-flung lands and instead waiting for the time locally grown fruits and vegetables are naturally ready to be harvested.

Why Eat Seasonally?

• Seasonal food is healthier for you: Locally grown, seasonal food has not travelled long distances to reach you so is fresh. The fresher the produce – the more nutrients it has and the better it is for you.
• Seasonal food tastes better: Seasonal food is grown under natural conditions. This usually means it has a greater depth of flavour. Ask any chef! A real chef.
• Seasonal food is better for the environment: Seasonal food relies on nature (sun, rain and a bit of help from a greenhouse or polytunnel) to grow. Non-seasonal food is grown in hot houses or flown in from abroad. This uses lots of fossil fuels which when burnt release carbon into the atmosphere, pollute the air and speed up climate change. Not good.
• Seasonal food connects you to the environment: Not wishing to sound all New-Age but eating seasonally forges a stronger connection between yourself and nature. You may be eating inside in an office – but if your food is seasonal you’ll have a greater understanding as to what’s going on outside.

What Is Plant Based?

Plant-based food means all food items derived directly from plants e.g. vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts, seeds, grains and berries.

Why Eat Plant Based?

• Plant-based food is healthier for you: The recommended daily intake of meat is 70g MAXIMUM per day – roughly equivalent to one pork chop. Even if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, to be healthy you should mostly cook and eat plant-based meals.
• Plant-based food is cheaper: The best quality plant-based food is far cheaper than the best quality animal products. Plant-based meals therefore mean you get to eat the best for less.
• Plant-based food is better for the environment: The cattle and dairy industry produce more green house gas emissions than all the car drivers in the world. Plants on the other hand clean the air by absorbing such gases. Big up the plants!