Local Food Growth in Staffordshire to be boosted following Lottery grant
The village communities of Staffordshire will see the growth of their local food boosted thanks to a £9,950 grant from Local Food, a £50 million funding programme supported by the Big Lottery Fund which will be funding food related community projects right across the country.
Staffordshire Rural Hub were amongst the successful applicants to receive funding from the Local Food Programme, which will allow the network to organise and run seven one-day events that will promote, celebrate and encourage the use of locally grown and produced food from farmers and small food producers in Staffordshire.
Local tourism businesses, delicatessens, hotels and restaurants will also be amongst those invited to participate, growing the networking and learning group, and developing their skills and knowledge in marketing local food.
Frances Beatty, Co-ordinator said:
“Great things come out of small beginnings. Our Staffordshire villages are a treasure trove of growers of great ingredients, some grown in gardens and allotments, much of it on our farms; and a number of cooks and recipes. Amongst them all are new business opportunities and a chance to support our local communities. Thanks to the Local Food grant, the Hub’s Changing Spaces Local Food project will help new food centred businesses to take root and grow.”
Benefiting over 100 people locally, the first of the funded events will take place on Monday 11 October, at Amerton Farm Craft Centre in Stowe by Chartley. Running from 10am until 4pm, the event will provide food and drink suppliers with expert advice on identifying markets, winning customers and growing long term customer value.
Mark Wheddon, Local Food Programme Manager said:
“It is projects like this that have a wide and lasting impact on the community and we are happy to support them. This project marks just the beginning in terms of Local Food grants. With a record £50 million to distribute to various groups we will begin to see a real change in the accessibility of local food.”
Local Food has been developed by a consortium of 15 national environmental organisations, and is managed on their behalf by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT). Supported by the Big Lottery Fund's Changing Spaces programme, Local Food will distribute grants to a variety of food related projects to make locally grown food more accessible.
For further information please visit www.localfoodgrants.org.
To find out more about the project or the one day events contact Debbie on 01785 255305
