A new range of nutrient-rich food to benefit the health and well-being of customers has been launched at a popular farm shop.
The new range of whole food and super food items such as organic snacks, oats, oils, vinegar and sauces as well as gluten free and dairy free products will complement the delicious homemade cakes, pastries and preserves that are already available to buy at Ouseburn Farm’s shop on Heaton Park Road in Byker.
The offering is part of a pilot scheme to support the charity’s growth ambitions which centres around ‘a place for growing people and communities’. It’s hoped that the new health range will attract customers where the shop can be used as a social hub for people to meet but also raise much needed funds for the charity.
Andrea Haynes, Business Farm Manager at Ouseburn Farm, said: “The farm has always been a place for growing and this new product line is another addition to our business growth aspirations. The new health products provide customers with choice and bring something a little bit different to our current offering.
“Part of the shop will also be made available to community groups who would like to meet, hold coffee mornings and fundraising events or just to have a social catch up with the idea of growing lives and communities.
“We have always been proud of developing people and allowing individuals to grow, whether in confidence, their career routes or in enabling people to be part of a social network. Many people feel secluded, disconnected and lonely and just need to reconnect with others, and the farm certainly provides this opportunity.”
The shop, which also sells upcycled furniture that has been restored and recycled in workshops, was officially opened in June this year and has proved to be popular with the local community. The introduction of a new healthy product line will be used as test pilot to other Ouseburn Farm shops that will eventually open around the North East and give people all over the region the opportunity to have a support hub and health food shop on their doorstep.
In addition to the array of animals, gardens, orchard and onsite café serving coffee and fresh food which has been produced directly from the farm, Ouseburn Farm also offers educational classrooms and workshops for vulnerable adults or adults who may be chronically excluded.
Woodwork, carpentry, upcycling, catering, creative arts, livestock and horticulture workshops provide an educational route or work experience to vulnerable adults teaching them essential skills and provides placements for the homeless and adults with learning difficulties and mental health problems.
Attracting visitors from all around the world, the farm also works with schools from the region offering holiday workshops on topics such as recycling, healthy eating and learning to care for animals. There is also a wide range of activities for children and families during the 363 days per year that the farm is open.