Why buy local produce?
Locally produced food tends to be fresher and therefore healthier, better for the environment having not travelled so far, and supportive to local farmers and the local economy.

Why buy organic?
While all fruit and vegetables are good for our health, organic fruit and vegetables are better because they do not contain potentially harmful pesticide residues. They may also have higher levels of vitamins, minerals and other micro-nutrients. Organic production is also good for the environment.

Cost is usually the main obstacle to people wanting to buy organic food but by buying from a local organic supplier, this extra cost can be minimized or even eliminated.

Sources of locally produced fruit and vegetables

• To find sources of locally produced food in your area visit the Big Barn website: www.bigbarn.co.uk. This website will list your nearest veggie box schemes, farmers' markets, farm shops, pick-your-own farms and more.
• Veggie box schemes
  You may be able to get reasonably priced, locally produced, organic produce delivered through a veggie box scheme. The types of fruit and vegetables delivered by veggie box schemes will vary with the seasons.
• Farmers' Markets
  Farmers' markets are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Unlike other markets, farmers sell their produce direct to the consumers. They have to have produced the food themselves and live locally. You may want to investigate where your nearest farmers' market is and buy produce from here for your Grab 5! activities (for example fruit tuck shop or playground market). Initially, a member of the school may have to purchase the required produce on a weekly basis. If, however, the idea proves popular and successful, farmers may be interested in delivering to the school themselves or even running a stall on an afternoon. This will probably mean linking up with other schools.
  Farmers' markets also lend themselves to activities beyond just providing produce. Schools in Stroud, for example, have made valuable links with local producers. Children visited stall-holders at their place of work and found out about their jobs - jam and chutney makers, apple juicers and salad growers. They then ran their own Junior Farmers' Market stall. They also helped with the organisation and publicity, provided entertainment, produced a newsletter for customers, interviewed customers, looked at the social and economic impact of farmers markets, and recorded the farmers market in a video documentary. The whole project was very well received by local farmers and food producers.
• Food co-ops
  Several schools in Newham and Tower Hamlets, East London, hold very successful, regular playground markets. They are run by impressive food co-operative enterprises - the Newham Food Access Partnership, the West Ham & Plaistow Community Food Enterprise and the Tower Hamlets Co-operative Development Agency. Food co-ops are groups of local people who work together, often on a volunteer basis, to improve access to affordable, fresh and healthy food for their local community. Produce is bought in bulk from a local wholesale market and then sold at various venues which offer secure places for fruit and vegetable markets. Schools can be ideal venues for co-ops to sell their produce because every day at 'drop-off' and 'pick-up' time there is a receptive audience and also, parents may become willing helpers. Some food co-ops groups receive grants to help with setting up costs and running expenses such as storage space and transport.

More Information Big Barn - By typing your postcode into this website you will be provided with all the outlets for local food in your area. www.bigbarn.co.uk. Tel: 01234 871005. For information on how to buy locally produced food or set up a food co-op contact your local Food Links organisation (which can be found on www.foodlinks-uk.org). The Soil Association run the Local Food Works project which may also be able to help (www.localfoodworks.org, 0117 914 2424) National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association. This association can provide a list of farmers' markets across the country as well as further information about farmers' markets. Telephone 0845 45 88 420 or have a look at their online directory on www.farma.org.uk NFU SourceDirect is a map-based website designed to put retailers and caterers in touch with local and regional farmers and growers. Visit www.nfuonline.com.