Every month Produced in Kent is taking a closer look at the different ways in which you can have a more sustainable attitude to food. This month, it is sharing helpful tips and advice on shopping locally and the benefits of spending just £10 a week locally.

Floortje Hoette, Chief Executive of Produced in Kent, knows that people are more likely to change one thing at a time, which is why the organisation is challenging residents to Change One Thing in its latest campaign to help fight food waste and boost the local economy.

“If everyone commits to Change One Thing this will hugely benefit the county by providing jobs, preserving our beautiful countryside and reinforcing community values” comments Hoette.

If residents of Kent spend £10 per week on local produce and products, we will put £415 million back into the local economy annually. We encourage you to be Vocal About Local and share your local purchases on social media this way you will have an impact on those around you and word will spread.”

Shop Local for Life with these top tips from Produced in Kent.

• Visit your local farm shop and stock up on your much needed five a day. If you haven’t already been to Haywards Farm shop why not pay them a visit next time you’re in Tonbridge.
• Buy gifts or flowers online from local boutiques. So many shops now have online ordering facilities, and you can help support them even if you can’t pop in, in person. You could treat a friend to a gift from Blended Therapies.
• Order your fruit and veg to be delivered. Watts Farm Shop delivers straight to your door and supply locally grown produce. Choose from The Juicing Box, The Super Greens Box or even a Steak and Chips Meal for 2 Box for a special date night.
• Got Kent Milk? Remember the good old days when you had your milk delivered? Well, this is once more an option thanks to local dairies such as Hinxden Farm Dairy. Order a selection of crème Fraiche, cheese, butter, yoghurt and other goods like water and juice. 
• Be Vocal About Local. Use the hashtag #vocalaboutlocal

Produced in Kent is encouraging residents of the county to look at how they can change the way they shop and the way they handle and consume food. “Make a change, practise it ten times and that change becomes a habit, you don’t even think about it anymore.” continues Hoette.

There are simple changes that can be made that will have a much-needed positive input into the local independent food and drink industry and the environment. If we all begin to make gradual changes, these cumulative changes will have a greater impact on the planet.

Look out for next month’s tips on how to Love Food Hate Waste with Change One Thing from Produced in Kent and don’t forget to be #VocalAboutLocal.