'Local food for local people' - Leyland Community Greengrocers launches festive pop up days before Christmas
A new community-led greengrocers is coming to Leyland this Christmas, -and it could be the start of something much bigger.
The Leyland Community Greengrocers festive pop-up stall will run at Leyland Market on Saturday, December 20 and is being seen as a first step towards a permanent commercial greengrocers run for community benefit. It will bring fresh, affordable Lancashire produce directly to shoppers, supporting local farmers and strengthening the local food economy.
The project is being developed in partnership with a range of local organisations and businesses, including Cocker Bar Orchard, who have been growing apples in Lancashire for almost 300 years, and Perfect Recruitment, who are supporting the development of the new venture.
Kay Johnson MBE, Director of The Larder and coordinator of the project, said: “Leyland Community Greengrocers is about reconnecting local people with local food. By sourcing directly from Lancashire farms, we can offer high-quality produce at fair prices while keeping more value within the community. This pop-up is an exciting first step, and we’re delighted to be working with local partners who share our vision.”
Community food co-ops
Alongside the commercial greengrocers, The Larder is working with Progress Housing Group to pilot community food co-ops in Progress community centres across South Ribble. These co-ops will offer residents on low incomes access to affordable fresh produce, opportunities to volunteer, and a supportive community environment.
While the community co-ops are a separate initiative, the long-term ambition is that Leyland Community Greengrocers will eventually supply and support these co-ops, creating a joined-up, self-sustaining local food system.
“The commercial greengrocers will prove the model and support local growers, while the community co-ops will make sure those on the lowest incomes also benefit from fresh, local food. Both parts of the project will ultimately strengthen each other.”
Call for Community Involvement
The Leyland Community Greengrocers team is seeking volunteers to help run the pop-up stall and contribute to the ongoing development of the venture and community co-op network.