Locally grown veg, fruit and flowers were just some of the beautiful produce available to punters at a recent food fair in Barking.
The Food Enterprise Fair was organised by the council and saw local students and food vendors given free stalls on Barking Market to sell their delicious and healthy grub.
Local pupils became ‘young marketeers’ for the day and got to channel their inner Del Boy as they sold fruit and veg grown in gardens at their schools, with all funds raised going to a food waste charity.
The fair forms part of the council’s wider programme of food education which aims to get primary and secondary students excited about working in the food industry while also encouraging healthy eating.
The council’s programme also aims to support local businesses get access to new markets and audiences by providing the sustainable, nutritious food residents have asked for.
The food market follows the recent launch of the council’s Good Food Enterprise Charter which encourages local food businesses to take positive action in four priority areas:
- sustainable produce and sourcing,
- diversity and access,
- community health and wellbeing,
- reducing food waste.
Companies signing up to the charter can access a small grants scheme which provides funds to help them address the four priority areas.
Additionally, food businesses can still apply for our sector-specific business support programme Amplify, delivered by Barking Enterprise Centre.
Cllr Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting local food businesses to thrive as Good Food Enterprises, offering the nourishing, climate-friendly and delicious food that our residents deserve.
“We want to work in partnership with all kinds of food businesses, providing them with the tools and resources to make small but impactful improvements.
“I would encourage all food businesses to take up the support the council is offering.”
Vivian Ebillah, the visionary founder and CEO of premier Nigerian restaurant and food delivery service Nomie’s Kitchen, shares her optimism: “I am truly excited about the positive changes unfolding in our borough.
“While these remain challenging economic times, especially for the food and hospitality sectors, it's incredibly reassuring to see the council prioritising local food businesses in their plans.
“I eagerly look forward to the myriad of opportunities that lie ahead for collaboration and growth.”
These initiatives are supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and are part of a broader Food Partnership and Good Food Plan. Find out more at http://bdopportunities/food or email GoodFood@lbbd.gov.uk
Businesses can read the Good Food Enterprise Charter and find out how to apply for a small business grant or digital badge here: https://bdopportunities.org/good-food-enterprise/
Barking Enterprise Centre is delivering Amplify, a programme of sector-specific support for businesses in the food and care industries, and for local businesses to access new markets. Find out more at: https://beccic.co.uk/amplify/