Herefordshire Food Alliance are celebrating funding for a Marches Regional Food Hub!
We are one of just four regions in the UK to kick-start an innovative cross-county and cross-border food procurement partnership - supported by the Dixon Foundation and Dynamic Purchasing UK Food (DPUK).
The role of this type of Food Hub is to connect local food producers with public bodies, such as local authorities, schools and hospitals, creating shorter supply chains which have been shown to lower carbon emissions, boost the local economy and support smaller producers and businesses, while bringing fresh seasonal produce to local kitchens.
Herefordshire Food Alliance are celebrating funding for a Marches Regional Food Hub!
We are one of just four regions in the UK to kick-start an innovative cross-county and cross-border food procurement partnership - supported by the Dixon Foundation and Dynamic Purchasing UK Food (DPUK).
The role of this type of Food Hub is to connect local food producers with public bodies, such as local authorities, schools and hospitals, creating shorter supply chains which have been shown to lower carbon emissions, boost the local economy and support smaller producers and businesses, while bringing fresh seasonal produce to local kitchens.
Pete Norton, joint co-ordinator of the Herefordshire Food Alliance said “Working with Local Authorities in the Marches area, including Powys, Monmouthshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin – this will allow us to scope out potential regionally. Bringing together producers and public bodies, the hub would help identify and develop new markets for local businesses and bring local produce directly into public kitchens. "
And Matt Pearce, Director of Public Health at Herefordshire Council (part of the Alliance) describes it as "a win-win for the local rural economy and our environment - as we work with our farmers and food producers to increase local food production and reduce food miles."
This piece of funding and the possibilities it brings show us what a strong alliance can achieve - you can strengthen this alliance by signing up to the Herefordshire Food Charter - encouraging action to improve the sustainability of our food supply. Once signed we'll keep you in touch with developments!
