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GATHER AROUND LOCAL FOOD

Forth Environment Link are excited to announce a week-long programme of online events that invite people to Gather Around Local Food. These events have been shaped by and serve to share experiences and skills from our NeighbourFood Scotland partners as part of our Regional Online Food Markets project.

As local food hubs have adapted, to put social distancing measures in place and enable contactless collections, the support FEL provides through its Regional Markets project too has had to adapt. The 2020 gathering has moved online, so please join us for a series of events, from the comfort of your own homes.

The online programme of events will showcase how the simple act of putting more local food on our plates can transform our communities. By demonstrating one way of “Strengthening the local food economy and shortening supply chains” NeighbourFood markets already directly contribute to Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambition. From reducing food waste, to foregoing plastic packaging; from encouraging healthier diets full of fresh seasonal veggies to supporting vibrant economies and skilled workforce; and from protecting our soil and promoting biodiversity to promoting active travel, NeighbourFood markets are a force for change.

The online programme of events will showcase how the simple act of putting more local food on our plates can transform our communities. By demonstrating one way of “Strengthening the local food economy and shortening supply chains” NeighbourFood markets already directly contribute to Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambition. From reducing food waste, to foregoing plastic packaging; from encouraging healthier diets full of fresh seasonal veggies to supporting vibrant economies and skilled workforce; and from protecting our soil and promoting biodiversity to promoting active travel, NeighbourFood markets are a force for change.

The  programme will bring us together to ask how we can the opportunity not to return to business as usual but contribute to a green economic recovery. These events are for organisers, volunteers, producers and shoppers. And anyone who loves good food.

Forth Environment Link (FEL) has secured funding from LEADER (in Fife, Perth & Kinross, Borders and Forth Valley & Lomond) and Transport Scotland to mentor and grant fund start up costs for groups that want to bring their local communities together around good food by running an online farmers market.

NeighbourFood markets have dug in and demonstrated the resilience of short supply chains during the peak of the Coronavirus pandemic. They provided vital access to nutritious food to communities in lockdown, and prioritised support to the most vulnerable in their community. At the same time they provided a lifeline to small producers. They now have a vital role to play in the way we shape a green economic recovery, and move closer to a food system that is resilient, sustainable and fair.