FOOD + DRINK
FROM FARM TO TABLE CONT .
FROM FARM TO PLATE ...
Foodari
Family run local business Foodari ( foodarihomedelivery . com ) delivers fresh food , drink and produce to homes across Kent five days a week . But what sets Foodari apart from the crowd is their dedication to sustainability and their mission to support local farmers and producers . A sustainable supplier , who customers can trust to work in an environmentally friendly way wherever possible , Foodari also ensure they make a positive social impact by working with local charities through donations , partnerships and by supplying surplus product .
The bottom line of Foodari ’ s approach is to continuously improve , innovate and work differently to become greener , whilst being a true force for good in Kent . Their fruit and veg boxes prioritise produce that is seasonal and local so that their food miles , use of fuel , and carbon-heavy imports are kept to a minimum . Guaranteeing full traceability from growers who have green , wildlifefriendly and sustainable principles , Foodari make sure their stakeholders share visions that tie in with their own . Some examples of their Kentish suppliers and the methods they use include apple and strawberry suppliers , Newlands Farm in Faversham who work towards building robust ecosystems ; Provenance Potatoes who use both field margins and wildflower planting for winter bird food sources and nectar to encourage biodiversity on their farms ; Oakdene berry-growers who use the ‘ Cool Farm Tool ’ to monitor greenhouse gases , water and biodiversity ; and Betts Farm , who plant wildflower meadows for insects and bees , put up nesting boxes for birds and have invested in solar to improve their energy-efficiency .
Foodari ’ s strive to be eco-friendly and sustainable doesn ’ t stop here . They also use reusable or recyclable boxes and pallets ( and are close to their home delivery fruit and veg boxes being completely plastic-free ) and share any surplus produce with Animal Retreat in High Halden to avoid food waste .
JC Rook and Sons
J C Rook and Sons ( www . rooksonline . co . uk ) is a wellestablished family run butchers who have been trading in Kent for over 55 years . With 11 shops operating throughout East and Mid Kent and proudly operating their own Food Standards Agency approved production and distribution facility in Ramsgate , which is where all their own pies and sausages are made , Rooks has been a local favourite throughout Kent for decades .
The Rook family has had a connection with the meat trade since the 18th century , originating in and around Norfolk , a destination famous for producing quality pork . Joseph Christmas Rook , a butcher since leaving school ( except during the war when he joined the RAF ), opened the first J C Rook and Sons in Dover , with two of his sons , Michael and Roger , in 1965 . John and Peter Rook , at the same time opened a manufacturing factory in Sandwich , designed to supply chip shops with pies and sausages . Due to the overwhelming success of this operation , and the opening of shops in Ramsgate , Broadstairs and Deal , Joseph Christmas Rook , Michael , Roger , John and Peter decided to join forces and welcome younger son Joe to the firm . In the following years the company slowly expanded , branching out across more towns in Kent . With the third generation of Rooks now at the helm , Rooks are continuing to hold their reputation as providers of high-quality British meat proudly able to give customers complete confidence in the food they eat .
With years of experience behind them and putting their name to a now esteemed local brand , Rooks know the importance of responsibly sourcing their meat and have built strong relationships and reputations with local farmers . By using local suppliers , Rooks are able to support the local community and help generational farmers protect their family businesses as well cut down on the carbon emissions involved in transporting produce while ensuring that livestock has been responsibly farmed with care and sustainability at heart .
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