Co-op shows way (From Free Press Series)

Co-op shows way

A NEW local food initiative, that was launched in Monmouth in the spring, is going from strength to strength.

The new venture brings locally produced organic food to local people, and is being run from the Hendre.

The Hendre Food Co-op aims to bring the freshest local organic produce to consumers in the area.

It was established with a grant from Monmouthshire County Council's Environ-ment and Countryside Grant scheme, and sources organic food from local farmers

A food Co-op is a group of consumers who want to have top quality healthy food at affordable prices. This means they can combine their purchasing power to buy in bulk.

The local farmer/producer delivers the order to a central point, where volunteers divide the fruit and vegetables into bags.

A typical bag would contain potatoes, onions and carrots as staples, plus a selection of seasonal produce.

It is then collected by the customer, paid for and taken home, and with no 'middle man' it means costs are kept down, and without the need for storage guarantees fresh local produce every week.

Local consumers Liz and Richard Knight said that the produce the Hendre Food Co-op sold had helped them change their diet, so that they now eat more healthily and added that the operation helped boost community spirit within the local community.

Catherine Fookes, from the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is supporting the Free Press campaign, said: "The idea came about because there are plenty of farmers in the area producing top quality fruit and veg, but no-where to buy it.

'With farmers facing difficult times, it seems sensible to buy from them directly so they do not lose out to middle-men. It's also great for us as we get the freshest local produce, at wholesale prices as we will be buying in bulk."