Locavore is a social enterprise which exists to help build a more sustainable local food system which is better for our local economy, the environment and our communities. We’re about making the money spent on food do more for the benefit of society and our environment.

We’ve been working with this brief since 2011 to develop ideas and practical solutions which can be used to deliver a better food network. Over this time we have opened a shop, developed a market garden, established a veg box scheme and got lots of people more engaged in thinking about issues around food, where it comes from, and the fairness and sustainability of mainstream supply chains.

Everyone eats food, and the food we choose to eat has far reaching impacts which shape our landscapes, streetscapes and local economic situations. What we eat impacts our health, but also everything else in the world with issues as wide ranging as deforestation, climate change, animal welfare, public health, exploitation of the global poor and workers rights. It’s fair to say we have a lot more than food on our plates.

We think at the root of all these big overwhelming global and local problems is the basic model of the big corporations who run the food system. They exist to extract as much money as possible from customers for the benefit of their shareholders. With supermarket chains in the UK holding 97% the grocery market it’s not much of a surprise that things are in such a dire state.

Our ambition is to continue to grow and scale up what we do so we can trade in the same marketplace as the big corporates, but with our own values and for the benefit of society.

What we believe in:

Fairness

We believe in fairness. That means a fair price for the shopper as well as fair pay for employees, producers and farmers. It also means producing things in a way which is fair for society and the environment we depend on.

A healthy environment

We believe in a low-carbon food system which reduces food miles, industrialised processing and artificial inputs. We believe in looking after the soil, water and air which supports us and everything else.

Using money to do good

We believe in the power of money to change the world for the better. By taking shareholders out the picture we can build sustainable local food economies which keep money more fairly distributed.

Honesty

We believe in being honest. We believe in frank discussions about the future of food, admitting when things aren’t perfect and trying to improve them. We believe in selling things as they are and avoiding misleading claims.

Great food

We believe in great tasting food and the importance it has on health and well-being in all cultures and communities.