Good Food Stirling - Nourish Scotland
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Good Food Stirling
Introduction
Contents Stirling has an opportunity. It could soon be renowned for its
1
3 Introduction: Stirling’s opportunity
8 Prosperity: A thriving local food economy
dynamic food culture, as a place where everybody enjoys good
25 Social Justice: A fair food system
food and a healthy diet, a region where conservation and food
30 Health: Promoting physical and mental wellbeing
production go hand in hand, where wildlife is thriving and food
36
Environment: Protecting landscapes and wildlife
growing and shared meals are bringing communities together.
42
Knowledge: Resilient and empowered communities
Stirling’s recently awarded City Deal given the health, environmental, social and
53
Conclusion: Shaping the future of Stirling’s food system
signifies a chance to transform the region.2 employment benefits of local food, Stirling
It provides an opportunity to invest in should invest in supporting everyone to
people, and enable everyone to develop access it. The reward will be a more resilient,
new skills and lead fulfilling lives. Stirling fairer and healthier society.
could be ambitious and raise expectations;
advancing a truly inclusive and dynamic
society where everyone feels empowered in The Scottish Government has already
their lives and their communities. demonstrated a commitment to becoming
a ‘Good Food Nation’3 and plans to
Food should not be underestimated as an introduce a Good Food Nation Bill. It has
essential vehicle for this transformation. It joins outlined six objectives for Scotland:
together Stirling’s economy, environment and
• People who serve and sell food – from
society. It touches every aspect of life, from
jobs to culture, health to natural surroundings. schools to hospitals, retailers, cafes and
restaurants – are committed to serving
Creating a food system that provides enough and selling good food.
nutritious food for everyone in the region
• Everyone in Scotland has ready access to
is achievable, and will result in many other
the healthy, nutritious food they need.
benefits too. Developing Stirling’s local food
economy will create jobs with employment • Dietary-related diseases are in decline,
that offers creativity, connection with the as is the environmental impact of our
local community and continual professional food consumption.
development. Promoting local food, produced • Scottish producers ensure that what
in ways that support ecosystems, will protect they produce is increasingly healthy and
natural resources for generations to come. A environmentally sound.
local food system is a cultural asset for Stirling, • Food companies are a thriving feature of
which will allow residents and visitors alike to the economy and places where people
We would like to dedicate this Good Food Stirling report to enjoy delicious food. want to work.
Bernard Barker who contributed a huge amount to the local
Due to the externalisation of costs in the • Other countries look to Scotland to learn
food scene in Stirling. Bernard worked tirelessly and with endless
current, globalised food system, local food is, how to become a Good Food Nation.
enthusiasm to develop and create more opportunities for more people
or perceived to be, more expensive. However,
to get access to good local food. Through his involvement with Forth
Valley Food Links; with Forth Environment Link; his commitment, along with
his wife Hilary, to running Stirling Farmer’s Market; and as an individual who
wanted to see positive change, Bernard was a standard bearer for good food.
See references on page 54.
Good Food Stirling 2 Good Food Stirling 3
INTRODUCTION
Arnprior Farm sheep
Stirling could lead Scotland in committing to once; therefore recommendations for action
a new food system; it has an opportunity with to develop Stirling’s food system may appear
the City Deal to invest in its population and in several sections. Programmes can support
develop a reputation as an amazing place to local businesses whilst addressing health
live and visit. challenges, or improve the natural environment
whilst promoting knowledge about the food
This will need leadership, partnership working,
and ambition. Stirling is not starting from system. For clarity, there is a summary of
scratch and already has many thriving food recommendations on pages 49-51.
enterprises and initiatives. It is small enough to Achieving a transformation will require taking
facilitate effective collaboration across sectors a whole system approach, understanding
and across the region, but big enough to draw how each element impacts on another, and
on people with a diverse range of skills. forging solutions that are coherent with the
Ambition will need to be supported with big picture.
investment. Creating opportunities that The big picture is bigger than Stirling. This
enable individuals, businesses, public bodies document focuses on opportunities for
and communities to join the dots will enable change at a local level: what Stirling can do
initiatives to be greater than the sum of their in order to feed its population well, whilst
parts. looking after its natural environment. However,
This report outlines what is happening in it will be local outcomes that fulfil national and
Stirling’s food system at the moment, and international ambitions. Stirling cannot only
presents ideas for the future. It is divided into inspire other regions in Scotland, becoming
five sections, following the Good Food Nation a beacon of a Good Food Nation; it could
framework: Prosperity, Social Justice, Health, also support progress on the UN Sustainable
Environment and Knowledge. However, Development Goals. Moving towards a
this structure does not accurately reflect the more localised food system in Stirling,
nature of the food system; it is important which includes mutually beneficial trade
to remember that it is a system and cannot relationships, can contribute to the UN goals
effectively be separated into constituent parts. to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure
Mechanisms will pull on multiple levers at prosperity for all.4
See references on page 54.
Gillian Mackay, Ardunan Farm
Good Food Stirling 4 Good Food Stirling 5
Where we are 3217
children
In 2016 Start Up Stirling
supported 1,900 people with
103,000
Imperatives for action
in Stirling
live in poverty emergency meals
after housing costs.
That’s nearly the capacity of Meanwhile Stirling households
Forthbank Stadium produce approximately
9,900 tonnes
Each week, the population of of food waste each year.
Stirling spends around
That’s 32 bin lorries
£2,500,000 Less
than
74% of 34% Only one
on household food and drink Scots half food business in Stirling
said that the of babies in is a registered Living Wage Employer
most convenient food
(excluding alcohol).
Stirling had been
breastfed at all at the
But... to buy outside of the
home is usually the
least healthy
6-8 week review, with
only 34% exclusively
n y,
o f Stirling’s
w
h
around 95%
breastfed a
ea
if
tc
e,
of grocery shopping
l
Litt
rop
is done in supermarkets,
which leaves local producers
and processors unsupported. Less than
1%
of Stirling’s arable
land is used to
.
go
Supermarkets pay
ng
There is only
one grow vegetables s
e
in
li
producers r
to Sti
bre n
fruit and vegetable shop ad eaten i
just on Stirling’s high streets.
20-50% 4,490 residential properties
within the Forth Local Plan District
of the price of products, were identified as being at risk of flooding.
making it difficult for
farmers to make a living.
Agriculture is the major cause of soil compaction; healthy, well-functioning soils are crucial
to reducing the risk of floods and maintaining our capacity to grow food into the future.
Good Food Stirling 6 Good Food Stirling 7
Prosperity
Kate and Iain,
Perthshire Preserves
Prosperity
“Food companies are a thriving feature of the economy and
places where people want to work.”
“People who serve and sell food from schools to hospitals,
retailers, cafes and restaurants are committed to serving and
selling good food.”
A thriving local food system could play a Money spent in the local food system is Research undertaken by the Campaign to jobs that do not pay the Living Wage and use
decisive role in fulfilling Stirling’s ambitions re-spent several times locally; buying local Protect Rural England found that supermarkets zero hour contracts.13 Only one of the hundreds
to be a prosperous and inclusive city region.5 produce from local shops contributes to employed one person for around every of food businesses in Stirling is registered as a
the incomes of people in the community, £141,000 turnover, whereas shops that Living Wage Employer (Bespoke Catering).14
Developing a more localised food system
who in turn spend their incomes within the sold at least 25% local produce employed As outlined in the Scottish Government’s
holds opportunities not only for job creation
community, bringing a multiplied benefit to one person for every £48,000 of revenue.9 Good Food Nation objectives, working in the
and local economic growth, but community the local economy. Although this multiplier Consequently diverting 5% from supermarkets food sector should be valued and entail a
cohesion and stronger connections between effect is documented through some to stores selling some local produce would commitment to producing, selling and serving
the city and rural areas. research6, the number of variables and lack result in 45 more jobs in the retail sector good food. Stirling could make use of its
of consistency with what is included make it alone, with additional contributions to local skilled population and develop a reputation for
Stirling isn’t an island; it is part of a highly difficult to define the extent of the economic production, processing and distribution. high-quality food. With current uncertainty in
integrated global food system, which brings multiplier for local food systems. One estimate the agricultural sector, now is the time to offer
The food sector is a major employer in
benefits to the population in terms of choice that is often used is from the New Economics alternative ways of distributing, selling and
Stirling. In the agricultural sector there
and convenience in accessing diverse food. Foundation, which found that £10 spent in a preparing food that meet the needs of farmers,
are 644 occupiers and spouses of farm
However, without compromising these local food outlet could contribute £25 to the food processors and everyone working in the
holdings, with 265 full-time employees, 151
advantages, there are opportunities to local economy, a local multiplier of 2.5.7 food sector.
part-time employees and 66 casual and
develop localised supply chains that will Each week, the population of Stirling spends seasonal workers.10 5,000 of the 45,000 A vibrant, diverse local food economy would
support producers, processors, retailers around £2,500,000 on household food jobs in Stirling are in Accommodation and both be an asset for the local population
and consumers in Stirling and generate and drink (excluding alcohol). It spends a Food Service activities (11.1% compared to and a motivation to visit Stirling. This section
employment in the food sector and beyond. A further £880,000 on food and non-alcoholic 8.2% in Scotland as a whole).11 In 2014, ONS will look at what Stirling eats, the food retail
more localised food system is advantageous drinks outside of the home.8 Moving a small calculated that 20.5% of employee jobs in environment, local processing facilities and
not only in terms of increasing local prosperity amount of this total of £3,300,000 into the Stirling were paid less than the living wage,12 local production to consider what would be
it also offers more resilience in an increasingly local food system would result in a significant with Accommodation and Food Service known needed for Stirling to produce more of what it
unpredictable global environment. contribution to local economic growth. to be the sector with the highest proportion of eats and eat more of what it produces.
£10 spent Each week,
the population of Stirling spends The food sector 5,000 of the
in a local food outlet
could contribute £25
£880,000 is a major employer 45,000 jobs
to the local economy
on food and non-alcoholic drinks in Stirling in Stirling are in Accommodation
outside of the home and Food Service activities
See references on page 54. See references on page 54.
Good Food Stirling 8 Good Food Stirling 9
Prosperity Prosperity
What does Stirling eat? Where do people in Stirling buy their food?
15
Each week the population of Stirling buys for household consumption:
Meat and fish
£723,400
Fats and sugars
£190,100
£252,000 Dairy
£504,000
Fruit and veg £304,800
Other
Meat and fish: £723,400
• £126,800 (14,700 kg) of carcass meat,
Fats and sugars: £190,100
• £50,000 (14,200 kg) of fats Current picture 16
Looking forwards
(including 9,800 kg/£93,00 of beef, 1,200 kg/£12,000 of (including 4700 kg/£24,000 of butter and 4400
According to Leigh Sparks, Professor of Retail
mutton and lamb and 3,700 kg/£21,600 of pork) litres/£9,300 of vegetable and salad oil) 15 major supermarkets, and a
• £19,000 (9,300 kg) of sugars and preserves at Stirling University, although out-of-town
• £484,800 (74,100 kg) of non-carcass further 87 smaller convenience
• £121,100 (14,400 kg) of confectionary supermarkets and hypermarkets continue
meat and meat products stores, grocery shops and
to dominate the grocery market, there are
(including 13,600kg/ £70,000 of uncooked chicken, 4,900 newsagents selling some food items.
Dairy: £252,000 some shifts in the pattern of retail and the
kg/£23,500 of pork sausages and 17,200kg/£104,400 of
• £158,000 (161,600 litres) of milk future is uncertain. A trend towards smaller,
ready meals and convenience meat products) 19 bakeries, including those that
(milk and milk products, excluding cheese) high street supermarkets, the rise of discount
• £111,800 (11,400 kg) of fish sell household bakery items and
• £67,000 (9200 kg) of cheese stores and an increase in internet shopping
items to be eaten on the go.
• £27,000 (8,245 kg) eggs (around 164,900 eggs) all feature in the shifting configuration of the
Fruit and veg: £504,000
grocery retail market. Consumers are looking
• £125,000 (58,200 kg) of fresh and Other: £304,800 19 butchers for convenience and experience in retail.17
processed potatoes
• £116,000 (54,000 kg) of bread
• £182,000 (84,000 kg) of fresh and 14 confectioners Catering to consumers who are interested in
• £5300 (2,400 kg) of oatmeal and oat products
processed vegetables a different experience of grocery shopping
• £39,400 (11,100 kg) of breakfast cereals
(excluding potatoes) has been where local food retail has thrived,
• £17,500 (7,400 kg) of pasta Nine delicatessens
• £197,000 (94,000 kg) of fresh and • £48,600 (7,100 kg) of pizza for example Stirling Farmers’ Market has
processed fruit • £78,000 (16,600 kg) of biscuits been running for the last 23 years. Other
One fruit and vegetable shop,
newer options such as the Food Assembly
and additional community projects
or a Food Hub which take advantage of
Each week, outside the home, the population of Stirling consumes: supplying fruit and vegetables.
the Internet to promote convenience for
• 7780 kg of meat and meat products • 530 kg of pasta producers and consumers alike can also
There is no permanent
• 950 kg of fish and fish products • 540 kg of soup provide a central distribution point while
• 230 kg of cheese (including quiche and cheese • 780 kg of fruit (fresh and processed) fishmonger in Stirling, but street
maintaining a social dimension to food.
pies and pasties) • 220 kg of yoghurt and fromage frais traders selling fish supply Stirling.
• 960 kg of pizza • 630 kg of bread (including rolls, This infrastructure could further support
• 750 kg of eggs (around 15080 eggs) garlic bread, croissants, but excluding Three permanent farm shops; availability of local food on the high street.
• 5840 kg of potatoes (including 4071kg of chips) sandwiches) Stirling Food Assembly; three Stirling could look to reclaim urban centres
• 2840 kg of vegetables • 5960 kg of sandwiches (including Farmers Markets, and some direct for creating a sense of community around
• 1200 kg of salads 3586 kg of meat/fish-based sandwiches, farm delivery services, including a food, where it is easy, interesting, and fun to
• 620 kg of rice (including fried rice, risotto and and 2395 kg of cheese/egg/vegetable- veg box scheme. do food shopping.
other cooked rice) based sandwiches)
See references on page 54. See references on page 54.
Good Food Stirling 10 Good Food Stirling 11
Prosperity Prosperity
Caterers, cafés and restaurants Processing and manufacturing
Mhor Bread Looking forwards Current picture 22
Overall, Stirling is an affluent region relative to Meat Fruit and Vegetables
Scotland as a whole; however, it is not noted for
• There are two abattoirs in Stirling: • There is limited fruit and vegetable
its café and restaurant scene. Investment in the
cotbeef slaughter facility processes
- S processing in Stirlingshire. Knockraich Farm
City should look to promote a vibrant café and
2,500 cattle and 15,000 lambs each week. produces apple juice from their orchard
restaurant culture focused on short supply chains
of 700 apple trees. One other company –
and local produce. uncan Stevenson Ltd is a small,
- D
Bakeshaw Ltd, is listed as producing fruit and
Restaurants, cafés and public sector catering can (certified for organic), which enables
vegetable juices.
play an important role in catalysing some of the small local meat producers access to a
changes in consumption that are needed for a specialised market. Bread
healthy and sustainable food system. For example, • There are 19 butchers in Stirling, 11 of • Many of the bakery companies, for example
creative recipes with local vegetables can which are listed as manufacturing - for Baynes and Greggs, sell bread and other
stimulate demand and encourage people to try example, producing artisan pies, sausages savoury bakery items that are manufactured
new things. Similarly nose to tail butchering, and and haggis. outside of the region and brought in fresh
exposure to delicious recipes formed from meat every day.
Current picture that is usually wasted, can help shift cultural norms. Dairy
• The biggest dairy processor is Graham’s
• There are a number of smaller bakeries
producing bread in Stirling, for example:
There are 400 cafes, snack bars, street Stirling University has 12,000 students and Forth
Dairy, which produces around 2,784,480
traders, caterers, canteens, takeaways Valley College has 14,500 students in Stirling and - The Village Bakery
litres of milk each week, and supplies to
public houses and restaurants in the the central belt. 28% of Stirling’s workforces are - Mhor Bakery
all over Scotland. It currently employs 420
Stirling Council area preparing food for employed in Public admin, Defence, Education
people. - Riverside Bakery CIC
people outside of the home. (This figure and Health.21 Transforming the food offer in the
increases to 580 companies if hotels and public sector, with more organic, local ingredients • Knockraich Farm is a farm and food
• There are other community bakeries in
B&Bs are included).18 would not only create a market and develop local processing business, which has 60 cows
development, such as Drymen Community
supply chains, it could also result in a cultural shift and produces yoghurt, fresh milk, crowdie
It is estimated that £435,000 is spent Bakery, and organisations which incorporate
and influence what people chose to eat at home. and crème fraîche.
each week on café and restaurant meals baking into their activities such as Camphill
in a five-mile radius of the city centre.19 • There are no cheese producers in Stirling. Blair Drummond.
Stirling should be aiming for at least Soil
Across the Stirling region there are a Association’s Gold Catering Mark across the board
number of cafes and restaurants, which in public sector catering, which includes 15%
already specialise in local food and organic produce and promotes involvement of
fresh produce. However, it is still a niche the whole community in food. In public kitchens in
market, with infrastructure to link farmers Copenhagen, 88% of the food served is organic,
and chefs, and make it easy for caterers
which was achieved without any increases in the
to use local ingredients, limited.
food budget. Creative menus, seasonal produce,
Stirling Council provides school meals less meat and less waste can make sustainable
and catering in civic buildings, totalling food affordable. Catering staff will be at the heart
900,000 meals a year.20 They have the of this transition, and providing opportunities for
Soil Association’s Silver Food for Life cooks to learn new skills, get out on to local farms
Catering Mark Award for meals served in and be creative with food should be prioritised.
primary and early years settings, but not
for secondary schools or for canteens in More broadly, Stirling should be looking to
civic buildings. This is an independently encourage and reward valued and creative
verified award, which rewards the employment in the food sector, promoting the
inclusion of local, seasonal, ethical and Living Wage and opportunities for training and
development.
sustainable produce.
Theo, Riverside Bakery CIC
See references on page 54. See references on page 55.
Good Food Stirling 12 Good Food Stirling 13
Prosperity Prosperity
Cakes, biscuits and confectionery
• This is the sector with the largest amount of micro-
Wholesalers Riverside Bakery CIC bread
processing businesses. There is one larger business
– Campbells Shortbread, based in Callander, which Current picture
produces shortbread that is exported worldwide as Wholesalers are the link between producers
well as sold all over Scotland. and independent retailers, local authorities,
• IQ Superfood chocolate is a company based in processors and manufacturers, cafés
Stirling producing allergen-free chocolate. and restaurants. Supermarkets generally
• A number of cake micro-businesses including: incorporate wholesaling into their businesses,
Balmaha Larder Ltd; Cakes by Shirley; Eleganza working directly with producers and building
Cakes; Kelly G’s Gourmet Bakery; Macgowen their own distribution systems.
Patricia; Art 2 Eat; Cookroom. • Stirling Local Authority, and most of the
independent retailers, cafés and restaurants
Chutneys and jams
rely predominantly on wholesalers based
• There are also a number of micro businesses
outside of Stirling, although many Scottish
making chutneys and jams within Stirling, for
wholesalers are used.
example, Perthshire Preserves, The Wee Kitchen
Company and Dollop and Scoff. • Similarly, wholesalers in Stirling supply
to neighbouring regions, or the whole of
• Communities at Sunlite Café and Camphill Blair
Scotland, or beyond to the rest of the UK.
Drummond are also producing jams and chutneys.
• There are seven wholesalers listed in
Stirling, a mix of large corporations and
independents.
Looking forwards Booker is the UK’s largest wholesale
-
Right-sized local processing can support a variety of dairy products on site, operator, providing a wide range of
produce to retailers and caterers.
meaningful employment and keep the
whole supply chain local, making it easier
including yoghurt, crème fraiche, crowdie
and butter. They sell approximately 75% Batley’s Cash & Carry, similarly has a
- Looking forwards
to trace food from field to fork and ensure of their produce through wholesalers, range of products form key suppliers and Wholesalers are a critical link in the
that it is high quality produce. Small-scale for food service and to Waitrose. The own labels. supply chain, allowing producers to
infrastructure can play a critical role in remaining 25% is direct sales from their access markets without having to build
café or at the Stirling Food Assembly, - C
aledonia’s Larder is a national specialist
creating positive relationships across the food multiple relationships themselves.
which has stimulated demand for more food company, with sole distribution
supply chain and promoting connection with However, they can reduce the traceability
products, including by-products: Katy rights for some Scottish products.
our food, our environment and the people of food and the connection between
Rodgers now sell buttermilk to Stirling Mushrooms Scotland is a key supplier of
-
who work to get food on to our plates. producers and consumers.
Food Assembly customers.
mushrooms to the Scottish and UK market.
With an independent abattoir and local A Food Hub for Stirling could function as
On the other hand, producing baked
butchers, the meat supply chain can stay John Callum Ltd Potatoes is a family
- a wholesaler for local food, only working
goods relies on flour from outside the
within Stirling. This should be protected as business that in the last 25 years has with farmers within a specified region
region. Only Mungoswells in East Lothian
it could be extremely damaging to farmers switched from supplying potatoes to and supplying the food service and retail
offers completely traceable Scottish
producing meat for the local market if the grocery stores and now solely supplies the sectors in Stirling with fresh, traceable
flour.24 Stirling could develop local grain
independent abattoir closed. Without it, other chip shop trade with potatoes from the produce.25
processing facilities, and keep the whole
options such as mobile abattoirs would have supply chain local. eastern counties of England.
One future role for wholesalers may be
to be explored, which ensure short journeys to bridge the gap between local demand
There is minimal fruit and vegetable D. Mccallum & Son is a fruit and vegetable
-
to the facility and so reduce animal stress.23 and supply, building relationships with
processing in Stirling at the moment; wholesaler, based just outside Stirling and
There is opportunity with dairy products for innovative local processing facilities could serving West Central Scotland. producers, and food services, to increase
the whole supply chain to be on-farm, as help tackle waste in this sector, as well as the join up and encourage Stirling to
Cariel Soft Drinks is a soft drinks
-
Knockraich Farm in Fintry demonstrates. It has stimulate demand for fruit and vegetable produce more of what we eat and eat
wholesaler.
a herd of 60 Friesian cattle, and they produce based products. more of what we produce.
See references on page 55. See references on page 55.
Good Food Stirling 14 Good Food Stirling 15
Prosperity Prosperity
Food production
Current picture
Stirling has 926 agricultural holdings with a fairly even size distribution.
Number of holdings and area, by size, in Stirling Unitary Authority, June 2016
Source: SG June Agricultural Census 2016. Provided by: Scottish Government RESAS.
No. of holdings Hectares
0-
Prosperity Prosperity
Crops and grass grown in Stirling Unitary Authority, 2016
Source: SG June Agricultural Census 2016. Provided by: Scottish Government RESAS. Kate, West Moss-Side
No. of holdings Hectares
Wheat 33 1,008
Winter barley 22 360
Spring barley 77 2,258
Oats, rye, triticale and mixed grain 68 1,547
Rape for oilseed and linseed c c
Potatoes c c
Peas and beans for combining c c
Stockfeeding crops 37 205
Fruit and vegetables for human consumption 12 9
Bulbs, flowers and nursery stock c c
All other crops 30 265
Fallow land for 5 years or less 91 785
Total crops, fallow and set-aside 191 6,524
Grass under 5 years old 250 3,935
Grass 5 years and older 723 32,829
Rough grazings 365 90,022
Common Grazing land 0 0
Total grass and rough grazing 869 126,785
Woodland 394 17,778
Other land 512 3,107
Total area 924 154,194
Utilised agricultural area 890 133,309
c - suppressed to prevent disclosure of data relating to individual holdings
The table above, provided by the Scottish Government Agricultural Statistics department, refers
to the number of farm holdings that are producing crops, have an area of grassland, woodland
or other land. Normally farm holdings produce many different crops, with each counted here;
consequently the total number of holdings does not reflect the number of farms in Stirling.
Looking forwards
Stirling could lead Scotland in diversifying its agricultural sector, building a reputation for
environmentally friendly food production, community engagement, food tourism, and short
supply chains.
There is a wealth of research, ideas, and action out there for new approaches to farming that
promote biodiversity and work with ecosystems. Certainly, Stirling faces certain challenges
due to the weather and terrain, but these are not insurmountable.
For example, covered vegetable production, such as large greenhouses powered on
renewable electricity, would allow Stirling to grow more diverse produce locally.
Providing support, training, and opportunities to enhance cooperation for farmers in Stirling
could stimulate a more resilient, diverse and sustainable agricultural industry.
Good Food Stirling 18 Good Food Stirling 19Prosperity Prosperity
Sectors in focus Vegetables
From retail and catering, through to plants – including fruit, vegetables, and grains, Stirling could create a thriving horticultural to around 10% of Stirling’s arable land.
wholesale, processing and production, and eating less meat. sector and make it easy for the whole Certainly, Stirling will continue importing fruit
there are many changes that could population to eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables, but with some commitment
This is not to deny that meat can be an important
stimulate Stirling’s local food system, and vegetables a day. and creativity a lot more could be produced
part of a healthy and sustainable diet, and
creating meaningful jobs and local locally. Investing in covered greenhouses,
Stirling’s many farmers producing high quality The population of Stirling, like the rest of the
economic growth. powered by renewable energy, could
meat play an important role in the food system. UK, are not eating enough fruit and vegetables.
significantly increase the growing season and
However, working towards the Good Food However, there are also opportunities in Stirling to A decade of consumer messaging around 5 a
allow more diverse produce.
Nation ambitions for a fair, healthy, and create local economies around more of the foods day, has resulted in a good level of knowledge
sustainable food system in Scotland, also that we should be eating. that this is what we should be eating, but almost Promoting organic production in Stirling
necessitates changes in what we eat. no change in actual consumption levels. would deliver positive environmental
The following two examples – vegetables
outcomes and have also been found
According to the Government’s Eat Well and bread – illustrate how we could move to The World Health Organisation and Scotland’s
to maximise health benefits, including
Plate,27 which identifies a diet that is both a more localised food system that is healthy, Eat Well Guide recommend 5 portions of 80g
increased antioxidants.31
healthy for people and the planet, the environmentally friendly and supports good of fruit and vegetables a day.28 In addition to
principal shifts needed are eating more livelihoods and wellbeing. vegetable consumption improving health and In addition to jobs is horticultural production,
protecting against some diseases,29 eating an a more developed horticultural industry
See references on page 55. extra portion of vegetables each day and eating in Stirling could stimulate jobs in fruit and
a little less meat consumption could reduce diet- vegetable processing. Businesses making
related greenhouse gas emissions by 17%.30 soups, juices, and baby food could be
Local food producers Taking this recommendation,
established to make best use of the locally
launch Harvest Festival Stirling should consume
grown produce, and potentially help address
issues of food waste.
around 13,550 tonnes In addition to physical health benefits,
of fruit and vegetables a year growing fruit and vegetables has been
shown to improve mental health and support
A conservative estimate of outdoor vegetable community cohesion. There are a wide range
production is 20 tonnes a hectare. This would of growing projects across Stirling from
mean Stirling would need 678 hectares in allotments to community gardens, these
horticulture to provide the required fruit should be supported to encourage inclusive,
and vegetables for the region. This equates diverse and empowering communities.
Next steps
• Make veg growing a priority in Stirling; reach out to farmers to consider switching some
of their land to horticulture. Develop a regional horticultural working group to facilitate
learning and cooperation.
• Explore piloting an extension of the Healthy Start scheme, for example to include children
up to 16 years old, or to ensure that vegetables are half price for everyone on low-medium
incomes at all outlets in Stirling. A scheme should look at establishing more direct links with
farmers and growers in the region, to support their livelihoods too.
• Work with educational institutions such as Forth Valley College to explore training
opportunities for people growing, cooking and selling vegetables which bring together
nutritional, environmental and practical knowledge.
See references on page 55.
Good Food Stirling 20 Good Food Stirling 21Prosperity Prosperity
Bread What’s already happening?
Stirling could develop a reputation for makes fine flour that is easy to bake with. Fresh The local food movement in Stirling is and now has 1163 members. Each week, an
amazing bread, with a diverse and creative milling should be done as near to baking developing rapidly, with Stirling’s new Food average of 72 people (not always the same
community of bakers supplying tasty and as possible, and this technology only works Assembly offering an excellent example of people) purchase from the Food Assembly.
nutritious bread to the population. at a small scale. Consequently, it is perfect the potential for growth. Average weekly sales are £1350.00, with
for enabling localised supply chains for producers receiving an average of £1138.00.
The vast majority of Scotland’s wheat crop
community-supported bakeries.33 Stirling Food Assembly
goes to the whisky industry or for animal feed, Over 17 weeks, the Food Assembly revenue
with little, if any, being used to make bread. Stirling Food Assembly opened in autumn totalled £23,104 (with producers receiving
Stirling’s wheat crop for 2016 was 8,770 Stirling buys around September 2016 and provides an opportunity £19,350). Using the NEF estimate of a
for the people of Stirling to pre-order from local
tonnes, and followed a similar story. 68,700 loaves each week producers, and to meet the farmers, bakers and
local economic multiplier of 2.5, in four
Allowing for wastage, 1 tonne of wheat could 34 months Stirling Food Assembly contributed
with a significant amount of that wasted cheese makers when they go to collect their order.
make approximately 1250 loaves of white approximately £57,760 to the local economy.
bread, and 1,700 loaves of wholemeal bread. Local, integrated supply chains supporting There are currently The quick success of the Food Assembly
In Stirling, only 28% of the wheat crop would local people to make high quality bread indicates that demand for local produce is
35 producers involved, offering
be needed to make all of the loaves of bread would improve health, reduce waste, generate already there, and can be further stimulated
bought in the region. employment and contribute to culture and 138 local products by creating ways for consumers to access it.
Scotland the Bread is an organisation community. Bread made in this way would be to the Stirling community.
more expensive, but Stirling could explore Riverside Bakery CIC
supporting a home-grown grain economy. At the Food Assembly, producers receive 80%
It has found that heritage varieties of wheat including nutritious bread in an extension of Riverside Bakery CIC is an example of a new
of the value of the produce, compared to
can be more resilient in Scotland’s climate, Healthy Start, considering the health, social food business that is taking a whole system
just 20-50% which they would receive going
provide a higher nutritional content, improved and employment benefits of local bakeries. approach, looking at the provenance, health
through a supermarket.
digestibility and lower allergenicity, than the and accessibility of food. They support local
A community baker could make around 750
grains that are being used to make most of The Food Assembly is based at Stirling railway producers as much as possible, as well as
loaves a week. Shifting Stirling’s bread supply
Scotland’s bread today.32 station, which is attractive for commuters. offering training and bread making activities in
to nutritious, tasty, locally-baked bread could
However, the initiative has grown quickly the community.
New technologies for milling grain could also create 115 jobs in baking alone; equating to
improve the nutrition in bread; Scotland the 13% of the registered unemployed in Stirling
Bread are now using a Zentrofan cyclone mill, retraining as community bakers. Investing in
a local mill and grain storage facilities would
Next Steps
which mills whole grains into cool, ultra-fine
wholemeal flour. The mill wastes less of the create additional jobs and keep the whole
grain, preserves more of the nutrients, and supply chain local.35
A Food Hub for Stirling. In order to deliver prosperity across Stirling, creative approaches are
needed to enhance the local food system, connecting producers, processors and consumers.
Investing resources in to the development of a Food Hub could promote joined-up thinking,
and support actors across the food system in different ways. It would need a large, multi-
Next steps functional central location and be designed primarily to support a local food network, from
skills and training to distribution and socialising.
• Support farmers to switch to heritage wheat varieties, which would be more resilient in
For example, it could:
challenging environmental conditions, as well as make more nutritious bread.
• Offer support, training and marketing opportunities to local producers, processors and
• Invest in building a local mill and grain storage facilities, looking at opportunities to use retailers.
renewable energy wherever possible.
• Provide a space and facilitation support to enhance cooperation between local food sector
• Launch a public education campaign about bread, highlighting the health and businesses.
environmental benefits of local wholemeal bread. • Be a welcoming space for sharing ideas and developing innovative approaches to food
• Explore including nutritious, locally made bread in a pilot extension of the Healthy Start waste, supply chain infrastructure, and other issues in the local food system.
scheme, designed to ensure that income does not prevent anybody from accessing high- • Function as a distribution and/or retail point to support local supply chains, including
quality, healthy food. providing local high quality, traceable food to the public sector.
• Invest in a training programme for community bakers and millers. • Be a venue for community meals and support a lively food culture.
See references on page 55.
Good Food Stirling 22 Good Food Stirling 23Prosperity
Support from the community
Social Justice
“The Stirling Food Hub will provide local food retail space in
the City Centre, building on a culture of sustainable access “Everyone in Scotland has ready access to the healthy,
to food. Working towards the outcomes desired by the nutritious food they need.”
Sustainable Stirling Partnership, the safe community space
will provide educational and advice facilities that seek to What’s the issue?
deliver a lower carbon footprint for Stirling and the wider
Forth Valley area.” Marginalised communities, and the
hardships they face, are often invisible to
Stirling has the 5th highest gender pay gap
out of 32 local authorities in Scotland; average
the rest of society. The recent emergence female pay is currently 15% less than male
David Hopper, Head of Sustainability, Stirling Council of food banks has provided an explicit pay. Furthermore, women account for 91% of
reminder of the stark issues of poverty lone parents with dependent children.39 3217
and inequality. Although the dedication of children in Stirling live in poverty after housing
communities and charities to provide some costs.40 In 2016 the emergency food provider
food in times of desperation is commended, Start-Up Stirling noted an increase in the
the existence of this patchy model for proportion of children they were supporting.41
ensuring people in Scotland can eat is Although there are some schemes to support
an illustration of collective failure. Food parents to provide nutritious food, such as
waste and food poverty are two significant Healthy Start vouchers, these only apply for
problems of our current food system, children under 5 years old and the uptake rate
but giving poor people food that would in the Forth Valley region is 70-75%.
“The creation of a local food hub would otherwise be wasted is not a socially just Quality of food is likely to be compromised
be a fantastic opportunity to improve response to poverty.36 when budgets are tight. Following the 2008
recession, households switched from higher
access to local produce for consumers The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation
(SIMD) shows that there are considerable
quality food to prioritizing calorie density,
in Stirling and the wider Forth Valley pockets of poverty in the region. In 2016
including switching from fruit and vegetables
to processed products.43 The price difference
area; this initiative would benefit both Stirling had a larger share of the 20% most
deprived data zones in Scotland than it did
between more healthy foods and less healthy
consumers and local food businesses in 2012.37 Although a growing population
foods is widening,44 with price regularly
described as the most important determinant
such as ours. “ and changes in boundaries had an impact.38
The index also outlines areas of deep-rooted
of food choices, nutritional quality of the
diet is compromised. People on low incomes
deprivation, which have consistently been spend a greater proportion of their income
Susan Rodger, Knockraich Farm Orchard among the 5% most deprived in Scotland since on food, around 18-23%, compared to
the SIMD began in 2004, including Raploch around 10% for those on a higher income.
in Stirling. In rural Stirling, there are hidden However, the quality of the diet for those on
pockets of deprivation, where food poverty and low incomes is still poorer, with the relatively
social isolation are affecting people’s lives, but higher costs of a healthy diet representing a
support services are less accessible. barrier to its consumption.45
People on low incomes spend a greater proportion of their income on food:
Low income food spend: High income food spend:
18-23% of wage 10% of wage
See references on pages 55-56.
Good Food Stirling 24 Good Food Stirling 25SOCIAL JUSTICE SOCIAL JUSTICE
What’s already happening?
There are a number of projects and initiatives in Stirling to support people and families with
Ideas from around the world
In Canada, working for a socially just food system has been transformation for a community.
low incomes to access sufficient, nutritious food, which are mitigating the impact of food
poverty, but are not long-term solutions.
The Stop: Making food the centre of community46
Start up Stirling institutionalized, and the significant problem The Stop is a community food hub, in Toronto, Stop provides a space for parents to get
of insufficient incomes for a standard of living Canada. It is a provider of emergency food together, stimulating the development of
Start-Up Stirling has been supporting homeless
that affords secure access to enough nutritious parcels, but has established numerous other community support in the area.
people in Stirling for 23 years, and in October
food being left to charities to deal with. programmes that mean it is seen as a space
2012 set up Stirling’s first food bank. By The Stop organises a Farmers’ Market,
for community and learning, rather than the attracting over 1500 people each Saturday
summer 2014, they had opened three food In January 2016, Start-Up began a Beyond the stigmatising association with food poverty. with local, organic and artisanal produce.
banks to meet the growing need for emergency Food Bank project, which focus on education,
food provision, as people’s budgets were In addition to the food bank hampers, there is In addition to providing market spaces that
community development and providing
squeezed by government austerity and a drop-in café offering delicious breakfast and support local producers, The Stop directly
pathways to further support. This is in
changes to the social security system. In 2016 lunches, including artisan sourdough loaves, spent $123,000 on local food from Ontario
recognition that emergency food can mitigate
they supported 1,900 people with 103,000 all made on site. Anyone can come and enjoy farmers and distributors in 2015, boosting
but not solve crises.
emergency meals. a nutritious meal, and at the same time attend the local food economy.
Salvation Army workshops, film screenings, arts & crafts and The Stop is a crucial support, especially to
At the heart of the Start-Up Stirling service
cooking demonstrations. those at the sharp end of poverty and social
is an ambition to offer some temporary The Salvation Army provides an afternoon
relief in very difficult circumstances, through meal for 35-50 people every weekday, 52 There are cooking programmes, including a exclusion. However, embedded in their
nourishing people – not only with food, but weeks a year. They serve a three course meal men’s group and a Latino group, which provide work is a commitment to tackling the root
and give everybody two pieces of fruit to take safe and inclusive spaces for people to learn causes of inequality, as well as mitigating
also by listening and providing a space for
away. The food is predominantly sourced new skills and feel part of a community. There the consequences. The Community Action
community. Recognising that there is a lot of
through Booker wholesaler, with the meat is a community garden, a tool lending library, Programme empowers members of the
stigma associated with a charity-model of food
coming from a local farm. gardening workshops, free seedlings and community experiencing poverty and
provision, Start-Up Stirling prioritises a dignified
marginalization through building support
approach, and let the service be continually community seed exchange, to help everyone
Again, the organisers would like to live in networks, raising political consciousness and
shaped by the ideas of the people who use it. get growing.
a society where the service wasn’t needed. taking action.
They work closely with Stirling Citizen Advice However, in recent years the more and more There is a state of the art 3,000 square foot
people have come to rely on these meals as The Stop is an example of how building
Bureau (and a range of other local statutory greenhouse growing a variety of produce,
community around food can have multiple
and third sector agencies) who refer people a key source of food, with benefit sanctions which supports the programmes, the food bank,
benefits. They have placed dignity and
to the Food Bank and provide advice for other and inadequate rehabilitation services sited as and volunteers with fresh organic vegetables.
social justice at the heart of their work,
services and outreach. plausible causes.
The Stop also provides specific support for with impressive consequences. 91% of
The extent of public concern about food There is a strong community around the families and young people. There is a Healthy participants said they belong to a community
insecurity is evidenced by the support Start- meals, which have been running Monday- Beginnings Programme offering pre- and at The Stop, and 84% of participants made
Up Stirling receives from the local community. Friday for the past 17 years. post-natal support for women, and a peer-led healthy changes to their diets because of
The vast majority of their food donations come breastfeeding café. The Food Family Fun at the something they learned at The Stop.
from the general public, 63,000 kg of food in Food and fun in the holidays
2016. In addition, Start-Up received £15,000 Stirling Council is working on a new initiative
in 2015 and £25,000 in 2016 for their Feed to ensure children are getting enough
a Family for Christmas appeal. This financial nutritious food during the school holidays,
support allowed not only a delicious Christmas providing a place for children and families to
food parcel, but supports Start-Up Stirling to come together, play games and share meals.
purchase meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables
The Council, in partnership with Start Up
to ensure people are receiving plenty of fresh,
Stirling and Forth Environment Link, is
nutritious food throughout the year.
developing a new programme of leisure and
There is some disquiet (within the organisation activity-based support for families with food at
and outside of it) about the service becoming its core.
Photos © thestop.org
See references on page 56.
Good Food Stirling 26 Good Food Stirling 27SOCIAL JUSTICE SOCIAL JUSTICE
Start Up Stirling Stirling Food Assembly
Next steps for Stirling
• Stirling Council to invest in a food and drink
team who will work with departments across
the Council as well as public bodies and
communities, to ensure a joined-up approach to
the progressive realisation of the right to food.
• Stirling Council should use procurement
standards to promote the living wage, as well as
working with employers across the food sector
to ensure incomes are adequate for accessing
enough nutritious food.
• Ensure that all agencies are promoting Healthy
Start vouchers, and work with Stirling Food
Assembly, Stirling Farmers’ Markets and other
Where are we going? possible distribution systems, to support local
producers and farmers to accept Healthy Start
By 2030, Stirling’s food system can guarantee In addition, mechanisms are needed that vouchers and make local, fresh, nutritious food
that everybody in society is able to eat well. can facilitate access to nutritious food, accessible for those on low incomes.
This means incomes are adequate for people when disposable income is lacking. This • Make spaces available for community meals
to be able to access nutritious food with choice holds potential for a more structural and community growing, and support agencies,
and dignity, and that mechanisms are in place transformation of the food system; rather organisations and volunteers to develop the
so that nobody is anxious about where the next than providing income to participate in community food sector so that everyone in
meal is coming from, nobody trades down on the current food system, with its high Stirling knows of a growing project and regular
quality of food due to budget constraints or toll in public and environmental health, community meal near them.
relies on charity to access basic foodstuffs. mechanisms can be used to reconfigure
the system by directly supporting
There are broadly two ways in which the right to
producers, promoting healthy food, and
food can be realised. The first approach focuses
favouring environmentally friendly food
on income, ensuring that everyone has adequate
production.
money. This crucially facilitates access to food
with choice and dignity. Raising the national Fundamentally, both increasing incomes for
minimum wage to the living wage and aligning the poorest in society and exploring other
social security entitlements with minimum ways of guaranteeing dignified access to Support from the community
income standards are key interventions needed sufficient, nutritious food are necessary to
to ensure that everyone can access food. realise the right to food. “I would much rather there was not a need in Stirlingshire
for our food bank services but whilst there is we will continue
“Stirling recognizes “We believe that access to sufficient to strive, with the support of our local community, to ensure
that encouraging nutritious food is a basic human right that those who find themselves in crisis can be supported with
growth and reducing and that no one in a nation that is the offer of a listening ear along with food with our end to
poverty is a single as rich as Scotland should have to end provision delivered in as dignified a manner as possible.”
agenda.” access food banks”
Linda Sterry, Project Coordinator, Start-Up Stirling.
Stirling City Deal, Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Communities,
November 2016 Social Security and Equalities, February 2016
Good Food Stirling 28 Good Food Stirling 29HEALTH
Health
“Dietary-related diseases are in decline, as is the
environmental impact of our food consumption.”
What’s the issue?
In Scotland all dietary goals have been Scotland currently spends almost £1 billion
missed every year since reporting began in annually, or £100,000 every hour, on
2001.47 Unhealthy diets are a consequence diabetes, 80% of this goes on managing
of unhealthy food environments. The food avoidable complications. There is a growing
environment is the physical and social body of evidence linking food insecurity
surroundings that influence what we eat. with increased healthcare costs, and robust
It has been described as an obesogenic arguments that interventions to reduce food
environment because it is very easy to eat insecurity could offset considerable public
expenditure in healthcare.52
unhealthily, and harder to eat healthily in
Scotland today.48 74% of Scots said that the Diet can have a profound and ongoing
most convenient food to buy outside of the impact on health; studies are associating Stirling Food Assembly customers
home is usually the least healthy.49 nutrition in childhood with health later in life.
For example, breastfeeding provides some
The food environment is not constant across all protection against childhood overweight and
segments of society. From adverts specifically protects against coronary heart disease powerful tool to help vulnerable people, bring
obesity.53 Breastfeeding provides babies with
targeted at children, to increased exposure to and cardiovascular disease. Vegetable diverse communities together and encourage
a complete source of nutrients, containing
unhealthy food in deprived communities, the consumption has also been linked to healthier and greener lifestyles.60 Similarly to
immunological substances that cannot be
physical and social food environment intersects protection against type 2 diabetes and certain physical health, initiatives such as community
manufactured.54 Less than half of babies in
with other factors, such as income, to increase types of cancer.58 gardens that can treat and prevent mental
Stirling had been breastfed at all at the 6-8
the risk of certain groups to overweight and week review, with only 34.2% exclusively health problems can generate substantive
There is also growing evidence that diet
diet-related diseases.50 breastfed.55 Similarly, poor diet in childhood savings for the NHS and create broader
plays a significant role in our mental health.
increases the chances of suffering from a financial and economic outcomes along with
Being overweight or obese is the most A diet that provides adequate amounts of
range of chronic conditions later in life.56 In social and wellbeing ones.61
significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. In complex carbohydrates, essential fats, amino
Stirling, 19% of P1 children are overweight, acids, vitamins and minerals and water, can Exercise supports healthy lifestyles; however,
March 2014, 3963 people in Stirling were
with an overall child obesity weight of 7.6%, help promote a balanced mood and feelings it is not a solution to obesity or associated
registered with diabetes51 and this figure
below the Scottish average of 9.8%.57 of wellbeing.59 Furthermore, involvement in diseases. The type and amount of calories
is likely to have increased. If current trends
continue, almost one tenth of the population Increased consumption of vegetables, with communities and spending time outdoors consumed are far more influential in
will be living with diabetes by 2035. NHS a greater variety of vegetables in the diet, can promote good mental health and act as a determining weight.62
In March 2014
Only 34.2%
Diet plays vegetables
3963 people of babies in Stirling are
a significant role in the diet protects against
in Stirling exclusively breastfed
in our mental health coronary heart disease and
cardiovascular disease
were registered with diabetes
See references on page 56. See references on pages 56-57.
Good Food Stirling 30 Good Food Stirling 31You can also read
