FoodFriends is a dedicated fundraising scheme to support the development of regenerative local food projects and the training of new small-scale farmers.

If you can, it would be brilliant if you would support this fantastic scheme.

By making a regular donation of £5 per month you are eligible for monthly prize draws to win Local Food Vouchers which can be spent with partner organisations.

The proceeds from the scheme go directly to supporting the set up of two new small farm sites in North Lancashire which will supply the local economy with organically grown produce and be a training and education centre for new entrant farmers.

The Covid-19 outbreak has brought the need for local, resilient food economies into sharper focus. This is your opportunity to support local projects to increase the amount of food grown locally by small-scale sustainable farming methods rooted within communities.

What is FoodFriends?

FoodFriends is a registered small society lottery also known as a 500 club. It is a fundraising scheme which provides monthly prizes to members.

The purpose of FoodFriends is to raise funds to help train and enable new small-scale farmers in the Lancaster District, to support the development of regenerative local food projects and to support the distribution of local food.

As well as being in a monthly draw for prizes, members will receive regular updates, information and opportunities to get engaged in the projects that FoodFriends funds. Members of the scheme will also receive an annual report with a summary of project progress.

Which projects are FoodFriends supporting?

FoodFriends will support the set up and development of two sites in North Lancashire – a small field site on an existing organic farm and an indoor growing site.

Both sites will form the first FarmStart training centre where FarmStarters will take part in comprehensive, hands-on training in how to grow a market garden and set up small-scale food enterprises as part of a wider strategy to grow a resilient local food economy.

There is more background about the FarmStart project in the feasibility study which was undertaken by LESS in 2018 and the pilot Growers’ Support Course run in 2019.

How does FoodFriends work?

 You sign up by direct debit via GoCardless to buy a FoodFriends Member Number.

 Each Member Number is for £5 per month.

 You can buy as many Member Numbers as you want.

 Once you sign up via GoCardless, your Member Number(s) will be allocated and sent via email.

 You must be over 16 to participate.

 A random draw will be made every month with a minimum of 6 Local Food Vouchers worth £30 each to be spent with one of our Food Partners.

 If you win a voucher, you choose which Food Partner to redeem it with.

 Additional prizes will also be available from time to time and as the membership grows.

 The funding raised through FoodFriends is used to support the development of regenerative local food projects and the training of new small-scale farmers.