Avoiding supermarkets; what are the alternatives?

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Avoiding supermarkets; what are the alternatives?
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Downsizer Forum Index -> Seasonal and Frugal Shopping

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OP

Joined: 28 Jul 2006
Posts: 4661
Location: Yorkshire

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 10 7:20 pm Post subject:

When I researched this a few years ago most greengrocers were getting their orchard fruit supplies from wholesale F&V markets, although some supplemented it with locally-grown stuff in season. I recently noticed our local Sainsbury's were selling "local" potatoes, grown about 20 miles away, which I suppose is local, but like marigold I did wonder what actual route they had taken to get here. Still it is probably a good thing.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Thu Dec 23, 10 7:35 pm Post subject:
Where were they grown? When East Riding Farm Produce was still going they could have come 7 miles, although they were also going as far as spain and also coming up from the fens to be processed.

OP

Joined: 28 Jul 2006
Posts: 4661
Location: Yorkshire

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 7:03 am Post subject:
I think it was Middleton on the Wolds, I'll check next time I am there.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 8:56 am Post subject:

Rob R wrote:

How much is not much (meat)?

On average I think I only eat 200 - 300g of meat a week. I could eat more but I don't tend to have as much as most people.

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 9:40 am Post subject:

sean wrote:

Because most areas don't grow veg commercially. Round here is/was primarily a dairying area. There's one market garden within striking distance of us.

Whereas here in the Fens getting a great range of locally grown, high quality veg is a doddle, but sourcing dairy produce locally is more of a challenge.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 10:24 am Post subject:
What you need is a dairy fairy!

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 11:38 am Post subject:

Treacodactyl wrote:

Rob R wrote:

How much is not much (meat)?

On average I think I only eat 200 - 300g of meat a week. I could eat more but I don't tend to have as much as most people.

So 5kg would last about five months - I know people who buy that amount in bulk without too much trouble, and they, as a household, eat in excess of that.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 11:40 am Post subject:

OP wrote:

I think it was Middleton on the Wolds, I'll check next time I am there.

It's difficult to find someone who doesn't grow spuds up your way, and I'm not that familiar with Sainbury's supply chain.

ros

Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 2469
Location: Beds

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 11:45 am Post subject:

cab wrote:

sean wrote:

Because most areas don't grow veg commercially. Round here is/was primarily a dairying area. There's one market garden within striking distance of us.

Whereas here in the Fens getting a great range of locally grown, high quality veg is a doddle, but sourcing dairy produce locally is more of a challenge.

milkman delivered butter this am labelled

Dairyfare organic salted butter from
crow hill farm Ravensden Bedford

- can't say I've seen any more local to Cambridge than that recently - but I don't know which side you are.- any good?

cab

Joined: 01 Nov 2004
Posts: 32429

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 11:48 am Post subject:

ros wrote:

- can't say I've seen any more local to Cambridge than that recently - but I don't know which side you are.- any good?

Not bad! I think thats closer than the butter we normally get, which is from Lincolnshire. Most of the ceese we buy is from Hitchin. From here:

https://www.wobblybottomfarm.co.uk/

We get it in the 'farm shop' on Lensfield Road (which is well worth a visit).

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 11:50 am Post subject:
That is Windmill Foods ros, they buy Jersey milk and are one to be supported IMHO.

ros

Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 2469
Location: Beds

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 12:31 pm Post subject:

Rob R wrote:

That is Windmill Foods ros, they buy Jersey milk and are one to be supported IMHO.

ah that makes sense - have yogurt and cream from a similar address that says "windmill" on it - the butter doesn't though.

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 12:59 pm Post subject:
Yeah, it's an on farm dairy and the farm itself has organic holstein/friesans and a few jerseys but the dairy also buys from several farms in the Eastern region. They were recently bought by Freshways though. Here is their website: https://www.windmillfoods.biz/

ros

Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 2469
Location: Beds

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 1:40 pm Post subject:
I love Buy-Local Bedford Milkman delivers produce in the scheme all year round - with extra goodies at Christmas (but I can't afford the meat or poultry from them - so you're still my beef source )

Rob R

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 31902
Location: York

Posted: Fri Dec 24, 10 1:49 pm Post subject:
I am very pleased to hear it - it keeps me on the right side of sanity.

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