“building a more resilient, nourishing and community-centred food system for the local area”
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Some two years ago, a local food initiative was launched:
In my backyard – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Now, during the current crisis, and following a relaunch, its services have been in demand:
In My Back Yard: new East Devon food network – Vision Group for Sidmouth
This is very much in the context of ideas of localism and community:
Local community support through food – Vision Group for Sidmouth
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The group is gaining more and more interest – with this piece on Devon Live.
It includes an interview with Paul Rigley, owner of Vinnicombes Bakery, and member of the cooperative:
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East Devon food producers club together to provide for their local community amid coronavirus lockdown
In My Back Yard was launched as an emergency response to the pandemic
A dynamic group of small-scale farmers and wholefood suppliers in East Devon have clubbed together to launch a brand new cooperative, with the aim of providing their local community with fresh and high quality food in an easily accessible way.
In My Back Yard works by allowing customers to buy direct from the producers and growers involved via a convenient online platform, with a phone buddy system available for those who don’t have access to the internet.
Using weekly order cycles, the shop is open from 10am on Monday until 11.45pm on Wednesday, with orders then prepared by the individual cooperative members and delivered to one of the four current collection points on Friday afternoons. Deliveries for anyone self-isolating or unable to leave their homes can also be arranged, thanks to a network of loyal volunteers.
With the aim of building a more resilient, nourishing and community-centred food system for the local area, that will continue beyond the coronavirus pandemic, In My Back Yard offers a wide range of fresh, natural and delicious food, with lines including vegetables and salad, herbs, meat, eggs, dairy, honey and sourdough bread…
Joining Natural Branscombe as members of In My Back Yard are Bulstone Springs, Browings & Comhar, Elbow Farm, Fillfull, Natural Worx, Norsworthy Dairy Goats and Vinnicombes Bakery, along with non-producer member, Emma Brice.
Recently awarded a development grant from the Devon Locality Budget, the cooperative hopes to add more fresh produce and larder items over the coming weeks, as well as bringing more local producers on board. It also plans to introduce a wider delivery service and more East Devon collection points, making it even easier for customers to access fresh local produce.