Local food initiative Produced in Kent is targeting families in the Garden of England to encourage them to buy from within the county as they watch the pennies this Christmas.

According to Julie Monkman, manager of the campaign, every £10 spent on locally produced food and drink is worth £25 to the Kent economy, compared to only £14 when it is spent in a supermarket.

She said: “As a nation, the British public is increasingly aware of food matters, and particularly the importance of supporting local producers. Farmers’ markets, farm shops and independent retailers today offer a genuine alternative to what fills the supermarket shelves and it is vital that we support our local producers.”

Several Kentish farmers’ markets are holding festive events in the lead-up to Christmas to promote local sourcing.

Monkman added: “From an environmental perspective, we should take more care to consider what we eat and where it comes from. Buying from farmers’ markets and farm shops encourages seasonality in our diets, so food miles are kept to an absolute minimum and the customer can see more clearly the provenance and traceability of the produce.”

Produced in Kent is a not-for-profit organisation that works with producers within the county to promote fresh produce, local sourcing and a reduction in food miles.

It is jointly funded by Kent County Council and Hadlow College.

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