GYO Produce & Buying Local Produce
what is it?
The best way to protect our food supplies, environment and health and well-being is to become self-sufficient by growing our own produce or using that grown organically by others in the local community. If we are going to transform food culture and the system that supports it, food needs to be not only good for people and the planet, but also good for local economies, businesses and jobs. Which is why here at Cambridge Sustainable Food we promote locally sourced, organic produce from local businesses within the community or even the journey of growing your own.
Cambridge Sustainable Food:
Promotes sustainable food businesses through its online Sustainable Food Directory, as well as administering a Sustainable Pledge/Award Scheme for local food businesses
Runs and promotes pop-up farmers’ markets
Promotes the development of the Cambridge Food Hub, which will support small local food businesses and ensure sustainable food supply chains locally
Transition Cambridge Groups, such as Cropshare provide opportunities for people to learn about community food growing.
Allotment provision is increasing alongside community gardens, which encourage new people to participate in vegetable growing.
the mission
Part of our mission in making Cambridge a Sustainable Food City includes not only that the food is locally sourced to avoid air travel creating a large Carbon footprint for produce, but also to ensure that we know where our food is coming from and the ethics through which it has been attained. This is done through campaigns from a range of other charities we are either working alongside or feel perfectly encapsulate our own priorities and beliefs; such organisations include Garden Organic, Transition Cambridge and more.
The Action Plan
We are working to:
Increase the volume of food sourced locally
Promote the benefits of organic produce and becoming self-sufficient in terms of growing your own food
Increase the sense of community spirit via our GrowARow campaign and Food Hubs/Community Kitchens throughout the city
resources
Take a look through our Sustainable food directory to discover a full list of the local businesses with a sustainable ethos offering locally grown, seasonal food. https://cambridgesustainablefood.org/food-directory
Or perhaps try exploring the exciting sustainable food scene of Cambridge, whether you are visiting for a day or have lived here for years we hope you enjoy doing so! From small independent ice cream makers such as Jack's Gelato to Ben Aveling's Radmore Farm Shop we think there is something for everyone. To find out more and download the brochure below. https://cambridgesustainablefood.org/s/tourguidelowres.pdf
Garden Organic is a charity working to bring together thousands of people who share the common belief that organic growing is essential for a healthy and sustainable world. If you’re interested in growing ‘the organic way’ and want to learn more about their campaigns, advice, community work and research follow the link to their website. https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/
Transition Cambridge is part of the Transitions Town’s movement, a community of people aiming to make the transition to ways of life that are more resilient in the face of rising energy prices and a changing climate. Transition has a number of practical growing projects which welcome volunteers. For their resources regarding growing your own produce and community/urban farming follow the link below to explore the range of groups and activities around Cambridge to potentially become involved with. https://cambridgesustainablefood.org/community-growing-projects