A new campaign from Veg Power launches this week, focusing on encouraging consumers to eat seasonal vegetables. Veg Power have been asked by the Cabinet Office and DEFRA to rally support around an urgent food system issue as much of British seasonal veg destined for the food services industry is being wasted as schools, restaurants and hotels are closed. Meanwhile, there are shortages in other veg due to an increase in demand. The campaign aims to shift the demand to these stockpiles so they don’t go to waste, by encouraging eating of seasonal veg throughout the summer. Veg Power are trying to mobilise food writers, chefs, nutritionists and food lovers nationwide to advocate these seasonal veg on their blogs and tweets to shift demand and save food going to waste during this time.
What can you do?
Below are some ideas to help engage with and support the campaign:
- Share photographs of your fantastic seasonal veg online – don’t forget to tag @EdibleEdin and @VegPowerUK on Twitter and use the hashtag #SeasonalVeg.
- If you report on the food sector or inspire healthier eating, please give extra focus on the vegetables that are currently in season.
- If you create recipes to inspire millions or cook to feed your household then please share – show people how creative you can be with seasonal vegetables.
- If you’re growing vegetables on your windowsill, in your garden or on your farm please share images of your lovely seasonal veg.
Seasonal Vegetables
The campaign will encourage all seasonal vegetables, but to help educate people as to what is in season, they’ll be highlighting the following vegetables at greater risk of being wasted:
w/c 1st June – Asparagus
w/c 8th June – Cucumber
w/c 15th June – Mushrooms
w/c 22nd June – Leafy Salads
w/c 29th June – Courgette
w/c 6th July – Spinach
w/c 13th July – Tomatoes
w/c 20th July – Radishes
w/c 27th July – Beetroot