Fresh dough for sustainable foodNew grant scheme for London sustainable food events
A new fund to promote sustainable food events in London was launched todayby the London Development Agency and London Food Link.
The £70,000 small grant scheme will provide an essential boost fororganisations in London, to help them increase public awareness ofsustainable food. The fund will help deliver the Mayor's Food StrategyImplementation Plan, published in September 2007, which aims to create aworld class, sustainable, food system for Londoners right along the foodchain from production to retail.
Grants from £500 to £5,000 will be available for a wide range of sustainablefood events from helping restaurateurs to buy local organic produce toshowcasing sustainable food at community events.
Jenny Jones, Chair of London Food, believes the Sustainable Food Eventsprogramme couldn't have come at a better time: "People are increasinglyconcerned about issues surrounding the environmental and social effects offood and are ready to do something about it. The grants will encouragebusinesses and consumers to buy fresher, healthier and more affordable foodwhile reducing the environmental impact of London's current food supply".
Ben Reynolds of London Food Link added: "This is a great opportunity forLondon's community groups and small food businesses to put on events thatreally connect local people with where their food comes from, how it isgrown and the personalities that work to make it fresh and affordable."
Businesses that don't become sustainable in their food choices run the riskof losing customers as sustainability becomes a more important issue forconsumers.