Local, home-made, seasonal food is booming in Britain as more and more people get back to the land – and the kitchen – and opt to grow and cook their own food. Now, thanks to support from the Big Lottery funded Making Local Food Work project, Country Markets – a group of 400 Markets throughout the UK – is calling on more people to get home baking to support its exciting new local food label from ‘the Cooks of Country Markets’.

‘the Cooks of Country Markets’ includes a wide range of different locally made produce and has a great advantage over other new food brands because the organization behind its creation has already been producing great tasting local food for over 90 years. Today Country Markets is a co-operative group of home cooks and growers producing and selling the best of British seasonal produce through a thriving network of about 400 local Markets. Home-made baked goods and preserves, home-grown fruit, vegetables, plants and crafts are sold at weekly venues across England, Wales and the Channel Islands.

Country Markets Cooks are all ages and come from all walks of life but all are passionate about their produce. They make delicious food in their own homes ranging from melt-in-the-mouth cakes to gorgeous jams using seasonal, local ingredients. They supply all the food sold in their local Markets and their products are now becoming available in local retail outlets including community owned village shops, farm shops and garden centers under ‘the Cooks of Country Markets’ label.

Often the products in ‘the Cooks of Country Markets’ range will use traditional regional recipes that have been passed down over generations. So you’ll find really interesting foods in the range that you won’t necessarily see in your local supermarket.
Why not check out your nearest Country Market to see for yourself?

It is the aim of the Making Local Food Work project in partnership with Country Markets, and other high profile organizations, to help local people meet their own food needs within their own community. By supporting local food producers and growers, and buying seasonal food, you are directly supporting and contributing to your community and helping the environment into the bargain. Local, seasonal food is sustainable food with zero air miles and little carbon footprint. It doesn’t have huge costs in ‘forcing’ its growth and you’ll be getting healthy, wholesome food that you know the origins of.

If you fancy getting involved in this great community spirited scheme, either by becoming a cook, helping out at the weekly markets, or by stocking some of the great tasting produce then contact your local Country Markets Business Support Adviser, Jane Kerridge, on (01935) 817308 or go to www.cooksofcountrymarkets.co.uk for more information. To find your local Market go to www.countrymarkets.co.uk or telephone (01246) 261508.