Food organisation set up by farmers awarded for educational efforts

Hampshire Fare was set up by a small group of Hampshire farmers in 1991 to raise awareness of the produce available in the county
Hampshire Fare was set up by a small group of Hampshire farmers in 1991 to raise awareness of the produce available in the county

An organisation set up by farmers which teaches children in over 400 schools about the importance of local food and provenance has been awarded for their efforts.

Tracey Nash and Nancy Judge of Hampshire Fare have been named as this year’s winners in the British Food Fortnight 2018 competition.

The competition, now in its sixth year, acknowledges the people behind the most imaginative celebrations of local food and the farmers behind it.

Entries were received from across the country and included pre-schools, school meals, care homes, hospitals and community festivals.

Hampshire Fare has been working with the local food and farming communities for 27 years. It was set up by a small group of Hampshire farmers in 1991 to raise awareness of the produce available in the county.

It's mission is to teach young children about food provenance in an inspiring way, with over 400 schools in Hampshire getting involved for British Food Fortnight.

The not-for-profit organisation has been a driving force behind food education in local schools, from organising talks with local suppliers to farm visits.

It has also been a key influencer in putting British food in Hampshire school meals.

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges including; Cathryn Higgs, Head of Food Policy, Co-op Food, Breige Donaghy, Director of Delicious Food, Co-op, Chef Raymond Blanc, OBE, Liz Earle, MBE wellbeing writer and farmer, Candice Brown, Food Writer and Alexia Robinson, Founder of Love British Food.

Together they were looking for events that strengthened the local community, supported the economy and educated the public about British food and eating locally.

High-profile judge Raymond Blanc said: “The Hampshire Fare team are passionate and committed about supporting and promoting the talented local produce, I love the fact that the children get inspired and learn so much”.