The 2009 Local Food & Drink proved the best ever!  Over 9,000 people turned up to the 38 different events organised throughout the month from 12 September to 11 October.  For more details see 'Festival'.

Warm autumn sunshine certainly added to the enjoyment of everyone.  Festival goers enjoy refreshments at Manor Farm, Upton Cheyney

Also enjoying the 'Taste' stall peeling, coring and slicing apples was Isabelle Thorpe who was also helping her Granny on the Sustainable Thornbury stall next door. Images: Neil Phillips Photography

The open day at Grimsbury Farm proved very popular with thousands of people flocking to the farm to picnic, enjoy stories, listen to great music and of course taste some great local food.

 BUY LOCAL

Have you ever wondered how you can help the environment, support local businesses, save money AND enjoy some amazing food - all at the same time?  The answer is simple - buy local!

More and more people are realising the benefits of buying from their local food producers. South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas produce some fantastic food, from organic meat and ice cream, to eggs, milk, preserves, fresh pasta and cakes.

Want to find our where to buy some of this great food? or where your nearest farmers’ market is? Want to join in the 'Taste' Food & Drink Festival (12 September to 11 October 2009) the check out the Maps - where to buy link and the local food news and other pages following the links on the left.

Why local?

It's good for the planet...A lot of food in the big supermarkets travels hundreds and even thousands of miles before it gets to you. This uses a lot of oil in transportation and causes a huge amount of pollution - addition to climate change. Local food are also generally wrapped in less packaging, which saves resources and reduces waste.

It's good for the economy...Money spent directly within your town with independent businesses or local farmers and producers stays within your community. This provides them with a fairer price and helps create more jobs. Lower overheads mean you can often get really high quality food for a good price too.

And it's fun too... There's no doubt that supermarkets are convenient - but nothing beats getting to know your local shopkeepers and being able to ask for advice on the best way to cook a joint of meat, or new ways to prepare vegetables.

Taste and savour the flavour all the good food and drink in South Gloucestershire!

Cllr.Shirley Holloway and local Chef Ron Faulkner open the 2009 festival.

Council supports local food and drink producers! Image: Neil Phillips Photography

Local produce - Thornbury Food Fair

South Gloucestershire Council is supporting local farmers and producers by working in partnership with others to increase the amount of local, fresh food.

This is because buying locally produced food is great for the local economy and your health and also helps sustain the local landscapes we know and love.