Local doesn’t mean dearer
Jan 23 2009 By Jane Hall, The Journal
WHY BUY LOCAL?
:: It supports the local economy. For example, for every £10 spent on an organic box scheme, £24 is generated in the local economy; by comparison, every £10 spent in a supermarket generates £12 for the local food economy. Local food often costs less.
:: It tastes better. Local food travels less far, so it can grow longer and reach the table faster – and therefore tastes fresher.
:: It’s good for the environment. Reduced food miles mean reduced transport costs and less global warming.
:: Local food is a major way to support health and fitness. The production and transport of food affects the environment in which we live, and the food we eat is fundamental to our health and wellbeing.
HOW SHOPPING BASKETS COMPARE
The figures below are based on prices for week ending January 16. As Food Local Food only stocks premium products, prices compared with Tesco’s Finest range or equivalent. Cheaper alternatives are available.
| Item | FLF | TESCO | WAITROSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parsnips (500g) | 85p | £1 (saving 28p until 25.1.09) | 99p |
| Potatoes, King Edward (2.5kg) | 1.98 | 1.98 | 2.29 |
| New potatoes, loose (1kg) | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.29 |
| Mushrooms (250g) | 1 | 99p | 85p |
| Carrots (bunch) | 1 | 1.58 | 1.49 |
| Cauliflower | 1.2 | 1.67 | 1.25 |
| Leeks, loose (1kg) | 1.8 | 1.98 | 2.69 |
| Onions, loose (1kg) | 90p | 90p | 88p |
| Iceberg lettuce | 80p | 1.09 | 1.18 |
| Cucumber | 90p | 98p | 99p |
| Grapefruit (each) | 40p | 49p | 29p (usually 39p each) |
| Green seedless grapes (500g) | 2 | 2.48 | £1.49 (usually £2.99) |
| Melon (each) | 1.45 | 1.68 | 1.99 |
| British apples (1kg) | 1.9 | 1.56 | 1.89 |
| Bananas (1kg) | 1.6 | 1.02 | 91p |
| Clementines, loose (1kg) | 2 | 2.1 | 2.19 |
| Free range eggs (6) | 1.3 | 1.49 | 1.95 |
| Milk, whole (1 litre) | 74p | 86p | 99p |
| Instant coffee (100g) | 2.59 | 2.97 | 2.98 |
| Dry cured smoked back bacon | £3.29 (250g) | £3.59 (184g) | 3.19 |
| Beef burgers | £1.53 (250g) | £1.99 (227g) | 2.99 |
| Diced pork | £2.65 (500g) | £2.69 (300g) | 3.69 |
| Braising steak (500g) | 5.49 | 5.63 | 4.99 |
| Beef, topside (1kg) | 10.4 | £8.48 (on offer, usually £10.48) | 10.49 |
| Cumberland sausage | £3.37 (500g) | £2.59 (454g) | 2.19 |
| Free range chicken | £10.50 (2.5kg) | £9.79 (2.4kg) | 13.22 |
| Smoked salmon slices (100g) | 2.43 | 3.99 | £4.99 (140g) |
| Scottish rolled oak flakes (1kg) | 1.75 | 1.99 | 75p |
| Penne pasta (500g) | £1.79 (Fairtrade) | £1.75 (organic) | 1.75 |
| Apple tart | 1.16 | 1.28 | 2.69 |
| Quiche Lorraine | 2.18 | 1.84 | 1.89 |
| Carrot cake | 2.4 | 3.21 | 1.99 |
| Cheese scones (4) | 1.15 | 1.49 | £1.45 (sultana) |
| Wholemeal bread, large | 1.54 | 1.1 | 1.15 |
| Elderflower cordial | 2.98 | 2.82 | 2.89 |
| Fentimans Curiosity Cola (6x 275ml) | 6.57 | 6.36 | 6.9 |
| Beef stroganoff (serves 2) | 4.99 | 5.2 | 7.49 |
| Chicken Kievs (serves 2) | 3.75 | 5.49 | 3.69 |
| Toad in the Hole (serves 2) | 4.19 | 4.59 | Not available |
| TOTAL: | 99.62 | 103.89 | 106.97 |
