Feeding our Future
Case Study: Feeding our Future
Region: Essex and surrounding counties
Organisation: Ashlyns Organic Farm
Description
As a result of the deregulation in April 2004 of school meals provision in Essex, Ashlyns saw the opportunity to offer locally produced organic food to children in the region, recognising a clear need to support and empower schools to take charge of their catering. Feeding Our Future is a RES funded project that combines the benefits of raising school meal standards through support for local farmers and food producers. The 3 key elements of the project are:
- Creation of a farmers' co-operative producing quality assured local and organic food to supply the schools.
- The establishment of a commercial and educational food preparation area and kitchen at Ashlyns Farm, which will source, cook and distribute food to schools.
- Setting up a business management team to run the operation and market the produce on behalf of the co-operative. An internet trading facility for participating schools will be set up.
Benefits
- Educate children and parents about benefits of a healthy diet and advantages of local produce
- Create new and alternative markets for Essex producers
- Encourage a food culture based around appreciation of value, nutrition and seasonality
- Ultimately increase skill levels and professionalism within the local food sector
- Safeguard and create jobs for local people
Lessons learned during implementation
- A key to the success of a project such as this is the need to get the right people involved, who are not only experienced but sufficiently motivated to see it through.
- Thoroughly research the market - do the necessary homework before committing
- Establish a close working relationship with Defra and other official organisations
- Spend time on ensuring the best possible communication between all involved at all times.
Future developments
It is intended to sign up over 100 schools by September 2008 and the
project could act as a beacon for other similar initiatives throughout
the country.
To promote the Soil Association's 'Food for Life' targets.
To create brand recognition in support of local farmers and producers
Further information
Website: www.ashlyns.co.uk
Page published: 7 March 2005