A lottery-funded scheme to encourage rural shops to sell more local food and drink is looking to triple the number of stores involved over the next two years.
The Look for Local scheme, run by the Plunkett Foundation educational charity with the support of organisations such as the Soil Association and CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England), has so far recruited 77 shops – a mix of independent stores, community-owned outlets and farm shops.
Stores that sign up to the free scheme have to agree to increase their local food offering and in return retailers are appointed a dedicated shop advisor to help them build sales. Training workshops and branded POS are also available.
Ema Murphy, communications and media spokesman for the foundation, said stores already involved in Look for Local have seen on average a 20% increase in food sales by selling more local produce.
The aim, she said, was to have 200 stores taking part within the next two years, as there was consumer demand for local food. About 65% of people are said to buy local food, she said, and 40% have said they want to buy more. “We want shops to get in touch to see if they are eligible for the scheme,” said Murphy.
Rural retailers interested should go to the www.makinglocalfoodwork.co.uk website or contact Nicole Hamilton at the Plunkett Foundation on 01993 810730.
