All the fun of the (food) fair....

So today sees the publication of the fifth in my series of features on Food You Can Trust for the Derby Telegraph, and I decided to write about food fairs. With the heavy snow currently blanketing Derbyshire it's pretty hard to believe that it's meant to be spring, but it is indeed Easter next week so it's that time of year when seasonal food fairs are held.

I reckon a lot of people would like to do a bit more local shopping – but perhaps aren’t quite sure where to start.

After all, as a nation I think we’ve become rather too used to going to the supermarket, and the idea of trying alternatives might seem a bit daunting. Or even just a bit too much trouble if you lead a busy life.

This is where the humble food fair comes in. These wonderful events showcase some of the best of what locally-made food has to offer, with opportunities to taste and no pressure to buy.

  

They make for a great afternoon out and you can find out a bit more about local food into the bargain.

While researching the piece I spoke to Louise Curd, from Derby College’s Food Hub, at Broomfield Hall, which is hosting a Spring Food and Craft Festival tomorrow.

  

Louise is a woman after my own heart – she’s passionate about teaching people where their food comes from and helping them access local producers.

“Food security and food miles are major issues,” she told me. “The amount of food we import into this country is madness. How do we know where it has come from? If you shop local, from a farm two minutes up the road, you can physically see where it’s been grown or produced."

Louise agreed that food fairs are fantastically user-friendly, offering a relaxed chance to pick up a few bits of shopping as well as having a good day out.

“It can be really expensive to go for a family day out,” she said. “But at our food fair you can combine having a lovely day out with a chance to do your shopping.”

So if you want a little education on what local food delights are on offer in your area, look out for food fairs and take the opportunity to enjoy a great day out and do a bit of grocery shopping.

Today's piece