FoodSEqual were delighted to have a stall at the Whitleigh Big Local Christmas market and Lantern Parade, which took place on Whitleigh Green in December. The market and lantern parade are important annual features in Whitleigh, bringing together local schools, residents, traders and makers and community–based initiatives, like FoodSEqual.
The market event was a great opportunity for FoodSEqual to share news about our local research activity. The launch of the Fresh Street Community Fruit and Vegetable scheme, bringing fresh fruit and vegetables to Whitleigh and the outcomes from our local research into fish; The Plymouth Finger which will be co-designed with community food researchers, pupils at Sir John Hunt Secondary School and fish industry partners. FoodSEqual community food researcher Laura Dunn showcased a beautiful large scale, fish themed paper lantern. Laura and fellow community researcher Star Drew are working on co-developing FoodSEqual’s fish product innovation strand (The Plymouth Fish Finger).
The Plymouth Fish Finger will be healthy and sustainable and ensure local fish remains in the local community. Fish species that are currently under-utilised or caught by mistake and sometimes wasted will be sourced from Plymouth fishing boats under 10 m. The intention is to try to get this product into the school meal system locally.
Community Food Researcher Laura Dunn said, ‘We are working with our local industry partners Caroline Bennett from Sole of Discretion and Edward Baker from the Plymouth Fishing and Seafood Association to make this project a reality. It’s exciting! We are planning a pilot study to co-design and test the fish finger with students from Sir John Hunt Secondary School’.
FoodSEqual also launched a new fruit and vegetable scheme for Whitleigh, Fresh Street Community. The FoodSEqual community research team will be distributing fresh fruit and vegetables at Salvation Army Hall every fortnight via an ‘order and collect’ system. The aim of the scheme is to find out the best ways of getting fresh fruit and vegetables to Whitleigh, and to share ideas and experiences of cooking and eating vegetables at a series of fun and engaging events run every Thursday fortnightly at Salvation Army Hall. The team were promoting a giveaway event at where people could sample a £5 bag of fresh vegetables for free. FoodSEqual are working with community researchers in Whitleigh on research into the local food system, find out more here.
