Sustain / Eat Somerset / Eat Somerset
2009 updates
Summer 2009
A summary report on the Eat Somerset project is now available, and further information about activities and what we have learned is available in the case studies section.
We have been compiling a series of case studies, some of which are already available on this website, to provide information on what the Eat Somerset project achieved over the course of two and half years.
Unfortunately, a bid to South West Councils to help food businesses through the economic downturn was unsuccessful, as was a bid to the Big Lottery's Local Food Fund. We are now looking into other options to continue the projects very productive work in the region to broker sustainable supply chains.
Radstock Co-operative Society (Radco), continued their meetings with local suppliers and they launched their Eat Somerset range in June with produce from a range of companies. This has been the most successful work with retailers so far and has provided an excellent opportunity for local producers.
The Eat Somerset project started in June 2007 run by
Spring 2009
The latest phase of the Eat Somerset project, funded by the Rural Renaissance scheme, finished at the end of March. Alison Belshaw has ably completed the project and provided a final report. Over the next couple of months, Alison will be spending some time writing up what we have learned from the Eat Somerset project in its several phases and undertaking a survey of participants to inform the report and evaluation.
Alison is now working on a proposal for a new project to increase fruit and vegetable growing in the West of England areafor supply to reliable market outlets in the public sector. The proposal has been developed in partnership with four local authorities; growers; health authorities, schools and other relevant organisations in the area, who have all expressed their enthusiasm for and commitment to involvement in the project.
Eat Somerset: From 2006 to 2009 Sustain co-ordinated a food chain project in south west England that worked to increase trading between producer groups in and around Somerset and independent food retailers in the county, and create new markets in Bristol and Bath.