The Food Barn forever

Aim: To secure a future for local regenerative food production. To create a community space that brings people together to celebrate local food.

We’re seeking to raise £20,000 to help The Food Barn continue its vital role in supporting local food producers, promoting community well-being, and leading on climate action. The Food Barn is more than just a market; it’s a place where the rich tradition of food production and agriculture in Cornwall continues to evolve, meeting the needs of both people and the planet. In a region with limited job opportunities, The Food Barn provides small businesses with the means to thrive, while offering our community a chance to reconnect with how their food is produced.

THE FOOD BARN STORY

The Food Barn is a weekly Saturday produce and farmers market, that is focused on food grown and produced in the local area using methods that support the environment, have high welfare standards and organic principles. We trade from 9-1 51 Saturdays of the year, hosting between 25 to 30 traders. Our offerings include everything from organic vegetables and free-range eggs to sustainably raised meats, all produced with a deep respect for the environment and for Cornish food traditions. 

The Food Barn started out of necessity during covid, when a core team of producers needed an outlet to sell, and the community needed a safe way to shop. Since then it has grown into a vibrant community of producers, farmers, customers and friends. It has become a Saturday staple in many peoples lives and offers a healthier, yummier and more environmentally friendly way to eat.    

What began as a response to the challenges of the pandemic has grown into a key part of our community, supporting small businesses and fostering meaningful relationships between producers and consumers.

Evolving Traditions: Local Food for a Resilient Future

The Food Barn stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, helping to carry Cornwall’s rich agricultural heritage into the future. By supporting small, sustainable businesses, we’re not only preserving these traditions but also adapting them to address today’s challenges, from economic resilience to climate change.

PLEASE HELP SOLIDIFY OUR FUTURE

So that we can continue to be a platform that brings together the local community and the people directly involved in producing their food. Whilst providing an outlet for local farmers and food producers, we also want to create a community space for community well being, food based eduction and championing farming methods that work with nature, not against it.

We are an active platform for local community food resilience, through the climate and ecological crisis.

Supporting Producers in Telling Their Story

• Empowering Farmers to Share Their Practices: With the funds raised, we plan to create detailed signage and storytelling displays at The Food Barn that allow each farmer and producer to share their unique journey and sustainable practices. This transparency helps consumers understand the positive impact their food choices have on the environment, from regenerative farming techniques to ethical animal welfare.
• Connecting Consumers and Producers: By making the story of each product visible, we deepen the relationship between farmers and customers. This connection empowers our community to make informed decisions, choosing food that aligns with their values and contributes to climate action.

Nurturing Small Businesses and the Local Economy

• Reliable Income and Financial Independence: For many in our community, The Food Barn offers a dependable source of income. This weekly market provides small business owners with the financial stability they need to support their families and reinvest in their businesses, keeping the local economy vibrant and strong.

Connecting Consumers with Their Food: Informed Choices and Well-being

• Opportunity to Learn and Make Informed Choices: The Food Barn provides a unique opportunity for customers to find out exactly how their food is produced. By speaking directly with farmers and producers, consumers can make informed decisions about what they eat, choosing food that aligns with their values and supports their health.
• Promoting Well-being Through Healthy, Local Food: Access to fresh, locally produced food is central to well-being. Our market offers a range of nutritious options that help the community move away from processed foods and expensive takeaways, towards healthier eating habits that are also better for the environment.
• Cooking Demonstrations and Practical Courses: We offer practical courses and live cooking demonstrations that show people how to prepare simple, delicious meals with local ingredients. These sessions help families eat well, save money, and connect with Cornwall’s food traditions.

Leading on Climate Action: Sustainable Farming and Low Food Miles

• Regenerative Agriculture and Soil Health: Our farmers are leaders in regenerative practices that restore soil health, sequester carbon, and increase biodiversity. These methods turn farming into a climate solution, helping to combat global warming while producing nutritious, high-quality food.
• Organic Farming for a Healthier Planet: The vegetables and fruits at The Food Barn are grown using organic methods that avoid harmful chemicals and protect natural ecosystems. By supporting organic agriculture, we reduce pollution and promote a healthier planet.
• Reducing Carbon Footprints with Local Produce: By choosing local food, we drastically reduce the carbon emissions associated with transportation. The Food Barn offers fresh, seasonal food with minimal food miles, helping to lower our community’s overall carbon footprint and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

WE COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE LOCAL FOOD

Every Saturday people of all ages, backgrounds and economic circumstances gather together at The Food Barn to buy their food directly from the growers, farmers and producers. Its an opportunity to find out exactly how the food is produced and make an informed decision about what you eat. 

WITH YOUR SUPPORT

We can solidify The Food Barn’s foundations, allowing us to be here for years to come. Supporting the local food systems in Cornwall, and the small businesses that create our local economy. We can create a safe and inclusive community space that celebrates food, people, food based education and the environment. We hope to be able to collaborate with more local food producers and farmers, with the intention of creating relationships between farmers and customers, thus ensuring the security of many small business and the health of people and the local environment. 

WHAT YOU WILL BE HELPING TO FUND 

• Storytelling and Signage for Producers: We’ll invest in creating detailed signage and displays that tell the story of each producer, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and allowing consumers to make informed, climate-conscious choices.
• Strengthening Relationships with Farmers: With your help, we can increase the frequency of farm visits and deepen our collaboration with local producers, ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of sustainability and support our farmers in adapting to the challenges of climate change.
• Sustaining Regenerative Agriculture: We’ll continue to champion and expand the use of regenerative farming practices, which are crucial for building a food system that is resilient to climate change and sustainable for future generations.
• Community Events and Climate Education: We’ll offer more educational activities and community events focused on climate action and sustainable living. Our undercover space will allow us to host these initiatives year-round, engaging more people and driving greater impact.
• Infrastructure for Sustainable Operations: We’ll improve our market infrastructure to support sustainable operations, including low-impact packaging, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction systems.

WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN SOLIDIFY OUR FUTURE AND THE FUTURE OF LOCAL FOOD

We hope to be able to continue to support 25-30 businesses every week, with a stable outlet for their produce where they can sell directly to their customers. 

SOME GREAT REWARDS