A shout-out for... Lockdown Localism!

Lockdown can't suppress

the seed of local spirit

sprouting through the cracks.

 © Bristol Food Union

It's tough out there for local businesses at the moment. And for 'tough', better read 'desperate', 'impossible', 'scary as hell'. That's one half of the story. The other half is what I'm starting to see all around me: People realising that buying local makes sense. An understanding of how much value independent shops provide to the community. And a huge desire to support our favourite local businesses so that we can see them re-open in the future. 

Like so many of us, I'm keen to make sure all my favourite haunts can weather the storm. I also view my choices as a deliberate investment into the kind of post-Covid economy I'd like to see. So yesterday, I made a start by procuring the absolute bare necessities, which meant bulk orders of local beer, cheese and some favourite Gloucester Road takeaway dishes. I mean, obviously. 

Whatever your tipple or grub of choice, you really don't need me to tell you how essential it is that we support our local shops, family practices, restaurants and food producers through this crisis. 

Therefore: Whether you're after beer, beets or breathwork classes - behold these handy resources to make your lockdown local!

https://supportbristolfood.co.uk/

Bristol Food Union is an informal collective of restaurants, food businesses and community organisations that have come together across sectors to ensure that the city of Bristol stays fed during the Covid-19 crisis.

https://www.thelockdowneconomy.com/

Stay home, save lives, go independent!

https://www.goodsixty.co.uk/

Food delivered from independent retailers and artisan producers. Supporting the local economy, protecting our high streets and reducing our carbon emissions.

bitly.com/farmstofeedus 
UK-wide database of small-scale food producers near you who can supply you with fresh produce

And don't forget to simply check the website or facebook page of your favourite pub/shop/café... a lot of places have started a takeaway or delivery service but haven't managed to get onto the more official pages just yet.

Separation sucks

therefore please know, oh fab one:

your choices matter.