Photo credit: Swanage allotment, George Roman
Good food from closer to home A Sustainable Swanage guide to local, sustainable food
Local, sustainable food was the most popular theme at our community events earlier this year. So this is where we’re hoping to make real progress next.
Buying food that’s grown, caught or made nearby supports Purbeck’s farmers, fishers and makers, keeps money in the area and cuts the miles our food travels. Growing and sharing food brings neighbours together and keeps good food out of the bin.
This page is a work in progress. We’ll add to it as our plans take shape, and we’d welcome your contributions.
What you can do now
Buy local
Our directory of local food lists butchers, fishmongers, farm shops and makers in Swanage and across Purbeck, plus what can be delivered to your door.
Get good food for less
Swanage has pop-up larders, a food bank, a community pantry and free cooking sessions. Some help with the cost of food, and some rescue good food that would otherwise be thrown away.
What we’re working on
A community food group
Around 70 people came to our local food evening at The Mowlem on 14 October, and agreed to set up a food group for Swanage. It’s for growers, cooks, local businesses and anyone who cares about where their food comes from. Ideas already on the table include free-to-pick edible beds in public spaces and a veg box scheme, where members pay a local grower upfront for a share of the harvest.
You can read our summary of the event and the long list of ideas we will be considering here.
Swanage News covered the event here.
The group’s first meeting is in early November, and everyone is welcome.
A directory of local food services
We’ve produced a directory of places to buy locally produced food and drink, from Swanage Bay fish to Purbeck honey. Most are within walking, cycling or bus distance.
Get involved
Whether you have a little time or a lot, we’d like to hear from you. You don’t need to be an expert grower or cook.
Join the food group
Membership is free and open to everyone. Come to the first meeting in early November, or just tell us you’re interested.
Email: hello@sustainableswanage.uk
Help us fill the gaps
Know a grower, shop, market, community garden or scheme that should be in our local food directory? Every addition makes it more useful for the whole town.
Whenever you spot something.
Elsewhere on this site
Food is one part of what we do. Sustainable Swanage also works on energy, nature, repairs and recycling, and getting around without a car.
All our projects · Volunteer with us · Repairs and recycling · Local updates · hello@sustainableswanage.uk
About this page
We’re volunteers and we don’t sell anything. This page is new and still growing. Opening times and services change, so always check before you make a special trip.