Do you want less of this?

 
And more of this… 

What is Diss Food Network?

Diss Food Network is creating direct links – a partnership – between consumer groups that we are calling ‘Food Circles’ and the best local food shops, farms, producers, restaurants, cafés and distributors – links that benefit both parties.

The Food Circles will act as a powerful consumer community that will have a unique relationship with the growers, producers and sellers of quality local food in the area. The growers will benefit by the Food Circles because they will provide much-needed regular and bulk custom. In turn, members of Food Circles will receive special offers, accounts and delivery options reserved for them.

The Diss Food Network will use DissConnected.net to help organise itself, as well as organising public events and other meetings.

Who will supply the food?
We are recruiting shops, farm shops, market traders, box schemes, cafés and restaurants who we will be evaluating on quality, environmental soundness and localness.  A unique rating system will permit all members to add their views. Members will get a Directory of suppliers and regular newsletters of special offers.

How will Food Circles operate?

The Food Circles – groups of friends or neighbours – act co-operatively to provide food for their members from…

• the Food Network’s Directory of local providers
• each other at shared meals and other social events
• from gardens and allotments
• by preparing food for each other.

Everyone gives, everyone receives, on a voluntary or part-time paid basis, organising events, cooking for each other, delivering food to each other, working in gardens, organising events or organising the larger Food Network.

Some hypothetical examples:

Mr. A., a keen gardener, shares his excess produce with other members of the circle.

Mrs. B, organises a monthly shared meal for people in her Food Circle, prepares odd meals for those who are busy, and sells her soups at the Farmer’s Market.

Mr. C. runs a twice weekly delivery run from the participating shops and the Farmers Market.

Mrs. D, a pensioner, walks to the shops and has food delivered to her home by Mr. C.

Busy Ms. E, has regular orders of bread, cheese, milk and vegetables delivered. She sometimes buys ready meals from Mrs. B.