I have been working on a RuralScapes project for the last year* but first got to know the company over two years ago when I became a Local Feast customer. I absolutely love the fact that I can order the majority of my weekly shop in one place, whilst knowing that so many different local producers are ultimately benefiting.

When I used to go to the supermarket I would always end up spending more than I had intended, buying more food than I needed and being tempted by buy one get one free offers.

Shopping with Local Feast does require a little bit of planning….orders have to be received by a Tuesday for collection/delivery on the Friday… but it’s like anything in life…as soon as you get into the habit it is no longer a problem - and if you ask the team they will give you a reminder call each week! Ordering like this really makes you think about what you will need for the week – so you plan more and in our house this means that less food is wasted as we only buy enough for that week so generally I spend less.

There is a certain satisfaction in sitting down to eat a meal knowing exactly where everything has been produced; as a result meals in our house seem to taste so different these days. I know that the vegetables were in the ground the afternoon before - now you can’t get fresher than that unless you grow your own!!

Being a Local Feast customer has also taught me a lot about seasonality. Whereas supermarkets offer every item all year round, ­often importing salads into the UK during winter, creating what is referred to as “Global Summertime”, Local Feast supply seasonal veggies. Who really wants salads during winter? We’ve been living on lovely stews and casseroles for the last few months, full of delicious carrots, parsnips, swede and turnips. I’ve also discovered new types of veggies such as purple sprouting broccoli that I had never even seen before!

If anyone reading this is considering trying Local Feast then (as a customer, not RuralScapes employee!) I would just say give it a go, what have you got to lose? I admit I was a little bit cautious at first as I couldn’t “see” the products and wondered what I would be receiving. However, the prices were reasonable and I liked the idea of supporting independent food producers - I can honestly say I haven’t been disappointed in any way and am delighted to see Local Feast going from strength to strength.

* (Local Feast is one of RuralScapes’ projects).