PEOPLE in Middlesbrough are hungry for more locally-produced, healthy and sustainable food.
They’re keener than ever to do their bit to boost the local economy, help the environment, cut carbon emissions – and enjoy healthier lifestyles.
And a Food Procurement event later this month will bring businesses together to find out more about the contribution they can make.
A recent survey – conducted by Growing Middlesbrough, an initiative led by Middlesbrough Environment City – revealed a clear desire for more local food available in Middlesbrough.
The survey concluded that almost everyone had bought food or drink from restaurants, cafes and takeaways in the last year, and of those who completed, 75% stated that it was important that this food was locally produced.
However, all those questioned said they wanted to buy more local food, demonstrating a clear need for food outlets to source more from the areas around Middlesbrough.
The reasons for this were not just for the benefits to the environment – the principal reason given was because of the support buying locally gives to the local economy and for the creation of jobs in the town.
To address this, Growing Middlesbrough have organised a Food Procurement event on Thursday, February 11.
Open to all businesses where food buying or selling is required – from which dairy the office milk is from and if corporate hospitality uses local food, to businesses in the food industry – the event will highlight ways of shortening the food supply chain so that local food is accessible and available in as many settings as possible.
There will also be the opportunity for networking, something that’s been especially useful in establishing mutually beneficial contracts between large institutions and small scale producers recently.
Middlesbrough Environment City Project Manager Joe Dunne said the findings of the survey came as no surprise.
He said: “Middlesbrough’s a passionate and determined place, but we’ve been beset by economic downturns and job losses recently – challenging times.
“Everyone needs food buying – and buying local is one of the easiest and most beneficial decisions that we can make.
“Buying local keeps our money in our local economy, encouraging businesses to grow and increasing employment rates.”
The Food Procurement in Middlesbrough workshop takes place on Thursday, February 11 from 10am to 1pm at Holiday Inn Express, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2PQ.
The event is open to all, from small cafes to larger restaurants, speciality farmers to food wholesalers and distributors, and is free to attend.
- Delegates can register for a place by visiting menvcity.org.uk/gm/events
For more information visit the MEC link or contact organiser Joe Dunne on 01642 243183 or email joe.dunne@menvcity.org.uk.