StroudCo Food Hub
History:
Stroudco food hub was launched in 2006 by local activists that wanted to change and promote the local food system. It is a democratically owned and run enterprise that encourages the trade in local food.
Actions:
• Provide affordable local food to the community • Create an outlet where producers can sell produce for more than wholesale prices, but sold at lower than retail prices • Build and strengthen links between producers and consumers. • Develop a food culture
How it works:
Small scale producers mostly within 15 miles of Stroud list their produce on the Stroudco website, which can be ordered online by consumers. The producers deliver to Stroud Valley Community School from Thursday to Saturday morning every week. The stock can then be picked up from the school, or delivered for a small £1.22 charge. 2
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Any profits are invested back into the business, with the purchase of equipment that can be hired out by local residents, such as microbrewing kits, apple juicers etc.
Funding:
Stroudco initially received two Rural Enterprise Gateway of £1500 each, and an Awards for All lottery grant of £8750. In 2009, Stroudco received further funding of £63,073 from Local Food Funding to cover set up costs and the expected initial loss. The need for further funding is not anticipated as it becomes self sustaining.
Income:
Running costs are covered by both the producers and consumers. Consumers pay a £2 a month membership fee, and producers pay an annual fee of around 8% of their gross sales, although this is altered when necessary to make sure the food hub makes neither a loss or surplus. The hub needs 200 consumers spending on average £24 a month to break even.