Why local?

Commonsense tells us that food supplied locally will be fresher. Local sourcing has also been shown to benefit the local economy.

• A survey by the New Economics Foundation demonstrated that money spent on locally produced food generates almost twice as much income for the local economy as the same amount spent in a typical supermarket. The survey found that every £10 spent with a local food initiative is worth £25 for the local area. (3)
• The Food for Life Partnership suggests that if 3,600 primary and secondary schools sourced 50% local and 30% organic produce this would create a new market for local and organic produce worth £66 million. (4)
• Sustain, the alliance for better food and farming, also demonstrates the environmental benefits of using local food - food miles are minimized by reducing the need for food from abroad, meaning a reduction in airplane-generated carbon emissions. (5)

(3) NEF: Plugging the Leaks: August 2001

(4) Food for Life Partnership FAQs: October 2007

(5) Good Food on the Public Plate: www.sustainweb.org