Food costs soaring – grow local
Dear sir,
UK food prices are rising at their fastest rate in 42 years as the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze household budgets.
Some food items have more than doubled in price after inflation hit 10.1% per cent last month, with inflation set to rise even further. Today's official inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show there is not a single type of food or drink that has not gone up in price in September.
In a recent survey carried out by Congleton Town Council it showed that 46% of people surveyed are buying less food and essentials, with a staggering 65% of people surveyed using less water, energy or food to make ends meet. Let’s be clear about this, our community is struggling, and we are only at the beginning of winter. The report’s summary was: ‘comments made it clear that the cost-of-living crisis is affecting the majority of residents, including many who have never needed or expected to have to ask for help before’
It is unclear when food prices will drop. After a brief cool-down in July, wheat commodities recently spiked again. A summer of harsh droughts resulted in poor yields from farmers, especially from across Europe and America. Supply constraints and continued high demand could push prices even higher. Experts say the rise in the cost of groceries has been accelerated by the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted grain, oil and fertiliser supplies from the region. Food and drink prices have also been affected by the recent nosedive weakness in the pound. This has made imported products and ingredients more expensive.
But, Congleton is very fortunate to have help on hand. There are many very inspiring and hardworking Congleton residents that are helping Congleton to shop locally. I am sure there are many more but I know of these:
'The Green Tree House’ social supermarket, located on 54 Lawton Street has cut-price groceries available. No referral is required to attend. This shop can help people make their money go a bit further.
Mr Gaz Lewis has set up vegetable boxes at a great price of £9.50 to supply people with a wide range of fresh, locally grown vegetables. He has set up his business ‘Plot to Plates Finlay Forages’ to help local people eat well. His business is located at Edinburgh Place on Bromley Farm estate.
Congleton also has Sarah Hull Johnson. What an incredible lady she is. She has set up her business ‘Dreamfields Market Garden’ that is growing a wide range of vegetables and flowers. Sarah has set this up to support our local food system as well as supporting nature. Her Facebook page offers education on how to grow your own.
Then there is the Old Saw Mill that make use of locally grown apples to produce apple juice as well as providing an excellent service of a lunch delivered to your door if you are socially isolated.
Congleton also has The Storehouse that is a free foodbank operated by New Life Church from our Danesford Community Centre for emergency or extreme hardship situations.
Access to the service is through obtaining a Storehouse Food Referral form from one of over 70 caring and support organisations and agencies working in our community e.g. Plus Dane Housing, Adullam Homes, Social Services, Mental Health Teams, Barnabus, Great Places, Aspire, Sanctuary Housing, CAB, Richmond Fellowship and many others.
If you know of any other local people or organisations who provide help with local food, please drop a note to the Chronicle, thank you.
Ideally, we need to be future proofing our land so that we are able to grow more of our own produce. Local allotment waiting lists are extremely lengthy. If more land were available having an allotment would be an incredible resource not only for food but for well being.
It has been reported that there are now more food banks across the UK than McDonald’s branches. There are 4 million children living in food poverty at the current time. These rates are startling. A healthy natural environment underpins economic growth, our food security, our health, and our wellbeing. This is why we should support local growers, farmers and work together as a community to grow our own.
Many thanks
Lisa miller
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