A new guide to locally-produced food covering Wycombe and the surrounding area is now available. Called “FOOD” (Food On Our Doorstep), the online version is available now at www.food-on-our-doorstep.org.uk. The hard copy version, a free 36 page booklet, will be available in early October from many of the listed businesses, and outlets such as libraries. The formal launch will take place during the Apple Day at Hughenden Manor on the 10th October, which also coincides with the 10:10:10’s campaign for practical examples of action on climate change.

The guide has been produced by volunteers from Transition Town High Wycombe and Wycombe Friends of the Earth with funding from the Chilterns Conservation Board Sustainable Development Fund and the Bucks County Council Community Leaders’ fund. It covers a radius of ten miles from High Wycombe and by not charging businesses for inclusion, aims to provide a comprehensive listing of local producers, and where you can buy their produce.

Buying local food allows you to know more about where and how food is produced. Consumers can make better informed choices that can include factors such as the animal welfare and environmental standards being used. Buying local food enhances the local economy whilst cutting down on food miles. Your purchasing decisions will now start to reverse the decline in local food production to prepare us for a time when we will need to be more reliant upon local abundance. In short: everyone wins.

This guide will also fill a void for the growing number of people already interested in purchasing local produce but who haven’t known where to go. Pick up your copy soon and explore this area’s local flavours!

Based on information supplied by M. Chadwick.