by Arabella Greatorex
Why should you worry about where the food you eat was grown or processed? Generally speaking, it is better for you, the local community and the environment.
Local Shops for Local People
Around 88% of all our food is bought from supermarkets, forcing the closure of tens of thousands of smaller shops that served out communities for years. There are many arguments for and against large supermarkets but the fact remains that many people are now forced to shop by car several miles from their homes, adding to the already chaotic road congestion.
Many of our local shopping streets are becoming deserted as more and more shops are put out of business. This has the greatest impact on those that can least afford it – the elderly or the poor. For those of us with children, nipping out to get a pint of milk can now entail an hour long trip to the local supermarket and pity those who don’t have a car.
Road Rage
We all know that our road systems are nearing collapse so it makes sense to buy local produce that has not added to this chaos. Food transportation makes up 25% of the traffic on our roads causing congestion and pollution not to mention the waste of natural resources.
Save the Countryside
More and more farmers are leaving the land, ending a way of life that has existed for countless generations. If we want to keep the countryside as the wonderful place it is for all of us, we need to buy locally produced food and not import from half way around the world.
Well Grounded?
A number of recent surveys have shown that children as old as 11 or 12 don’t know that milk is the main ingredient of cheese and many have never seen a cow or pig in real life. Trips to Bristol’s two great City Farms is one way to remedy this but it is important that local farms and their rich heritage remain for all to enjoy and learn from.
What Can I Do
Well, lots actually. Below are a few simple steps that you can take. You may not be able to shop locally every time and no one is going to blame a busy parent for one-stop shopping at the local supermarket. Just aim to make a few small changes – you will be making a difference and you will be feeding your family healthier, tastier food.
- There are lots of Farmers Markets where you will find well grown local produce – you may also find older varieties of fruit and vegetables that are no longer available in the big supermarkets.
- Many farms now have a farm shop where you will find a changing range of produce for sale.
- Visit the City Farms – a great day out for the children where they will be able to get up close to the animals and you can by fruit and veg grown on the farm.
- Try and do some of your shopping at your local stores – all over the UK there are small shopping centres with an amazing range of products (and not just food) on sale. As they say about your local Post Office – use it or lose it.
- Why not have a food box delivered? Many of them are organic and/or Fairtrade.
- You could grow a few vegetables or herbs yourself – it is really easy to do and the kids will love it. Start with something simple such as bean sprouts or cress so that the children get the idea and then work up from that. Even the smallest garden or window ledge can support a few pots.
- Always read the labels and ask your local shops (including the supermarket) to sell local produce.
Soil Association – lots of information on organic and Fairtrade and details of working farms to visit http://www.soilassociation.org.uk/
National Association of Farmers’ Markets – loads of information http://www.farmersmarkets.net/
Local Food Works – information and resources and up to date news on the world of local food and shopping http://www.localfoodworks.org/
Arabella Greatorex is the owner of www.naturalnursery.co.uk, an online store selling organic and fairly traded products of families including organic clothing and nappies, fairly traded toys and natural toiletries.
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