The concept of buying local is simply to buy food (or any good or service) produced, grown, or raised as close to your home as possible. With industrialisation, our food is now grown and processed in fewer and fewer locations, meaning it has to travel further to reach the average consumer.
Although this method of production is considered efficient and economically profitable for large corporations, it can be harmful to the environment, consumers and rural communities.
In Scotland, we have one of the best natural larders in the world. Our seafood, lamb, game, dairy produce, fruit and vegetables are among the best in the world. So, wonderful seasonal ingredients - all year round.
Buying locally could not be easier or more enjoyable:
- Check out your nearest farmers' market for delicious fresh food, many organic, direct from the farm.
- Shop locally and take advantage of fantastic local specialist shops, deli’s, cheesemongers and more.
- Visit a variety of farm shops around the country, enjoy a picnic.
- For the freshest of berries and some fun family entertainment, why not visit the many farms around the country that allow you to pick your own fruit? Click here for a comprehensive list of fruit farms.
- Enjoy Scottish produce prepared by chefs in our great Scottish restaurants www.eatscotland.com
- How about a pint of real Scottish ale and a platter of west coast Scottish oysters at some of our renowned pubs?
Buying and eating local is environmentally friendly, healthy and fun! Get a real taste of Scotland and save on food miles, help the environment and rural communities.
Food for thought
Are you inspired to find out more about food and eating healthily? The following organisations and initiatives have a wealth of knowledge.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade products are grown by small farmers or plantation workers, in developing countries, who pick their crop with care. They are passionate about the quality of their produce, their way of life, and their families. Buying Fair Trade products helps toensure these farmers receive an agreed and stable price for the crops they grow, as well as additional income to invest in the future, bringing about change in local communities.
Edinburgh has been a Fairtrade city since 2004: click here to find your nearest Fair Trade outlet
Healthy Living Awards
The healthyliving award has been designed to make it easier for all of us to eat more healthily when we eat out by clearly identifying healthier food on the menu.
The Scottish Consumer Council and the Scottish Executive are working with workplace restaurants, cafes, sandwich shops, restaurants and other places we buy prepared food across Scotland, encouraging them to make changes to the way they prepare food. Check out where you can eat more healthily and which local firms positively encourage healthy eating in their canteens.
Healthy Living Award website
Health promoting schools
Scotland's school dinners are improving to provide children with the best possible start in life and help them develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
The improvements are taking place as part of the Hungry for Success initiative which sets out minimum nutritional standards for improving school dinners in Scotland. The Eating for Health website outlines the main points of the initiative and what it means for schools, pupils and parents, as well as other ideas for improving food in schools.
http://www.healthpromotingschools.co.uk/familyandcommunity/eatingforhealth/index.asp
Scottish Soil Association
Organic food is tasty as well as kinder to the environment, farm animals, birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The Soil Association is at the heart of the organic movement. Find out more on their website which provides a wealth of knowledge on organic suppliers, visiting organic farms, seasonal recipes and ideas for family days out. Go to: www.whyorganic.org
