Networking is underway amongst the UK’s independent wholefood shops in a bid to boost their role as hubs in the movement for a better food system.
The new Wholefood Shop Action Network (WSAN), set up by wholefood retailers, aims to
- Strengthen and promote new and existing wholefood shops through exchange of ideas and acting together.
- Inform and inspire staff and customers to take action on local and global food issues.
One of the WSAN’s co-founders Ruth Strange – from retail co-operative Sound Bites in Derby – told Natural Products the group have so far contacted over 300 shops and are currently building a website to act as an online information-sharing and networking hub.
Debbie Clarke from Unicorn Grocery in Manchester expanded: “Many people do come to wholefood shops looking for healthier and more ethical food, but even most organic sales in the UK are through supermarkets who in many ways undermine the kind of food system we want to see. Together we can make the independent sector more visible, more effective, and more engaged in the movement for a fairer, more ethical and environmentally responsible food system”.
She added “Once the website is ready, sharing ideas, information and experiences will be easier, but we still need to track down hundreds more shops we know are out there, so you can get a listing on the site and take advantage of joining forces!”
To get in touch with WSAN or find out more please email [email protected]
