Powys County Councillor Corinna Kenyon-Wade has embarked on a unique journey to promote local food sustainability by committing to The Powys Diet for one month. This initiative, inspired by the Fife Diet, aims to highlight the benefits of consuming locally sourced food and reducing carbon emissions. Bwyd Powys Food, the sustainable food partnership for Powys, shared her journey on their website (available here).
Councillor Kenyon-Wade’s commitment to The Powys Diet involves sourcing at least 80% of her food from within Powys. This challenge not only supports local farmers and producers but also aims to reduce food miles and carbon emissions. “Reducing food miles cuts some carbon emissions, and stimulating the local market has to be a good thing,” said Kenyon-Wade.
This diet highlights the challenges of achieving the vision of Bwyd Powys Food: “Good food for POWYS! Where local, sustainable and healthy food supports communities, its people and the environment.” Throughout the month, Councillor Kenyon-Wade faced various challenges, including the limited availability of certain food items. Despite these hurdles, she discovered a wealth of local produce, including honey, apples, chilis, onions, garlic, potatoes, and more. “This diet is certainly do-able if a bit repetitive, and rather heavy on the lard or the animal fats,” she noted.
The Powys Diet has also shed light on the importance of supporting local producers. Councillor Kenyon-Wade sourced bread flour from Llanigon, butter from Daisy Bank Dairy in Montgomery, and eggs from her neighbour. Chloe Masefield, Bwyd Powys Food Coordinator for South Powys working out of Cultivate said “Corinna’s journey emphasises the potential for a sustainable and self-sufficient food system within Powys, something we are passionate about at Bwyd Powys Food”.
Councillor Kenyon-Wade’s experience with The Powys Diet demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of a local food diet. Her commitment to this initiative serves as an inspiration for others to consider the impact of their food choices on the environment and local economy.
About Bwyd Powys Food
Bwyd Powys Food is a sustainable food partnership working to promote local food sustainability in Powys. Partners include Cultivate (host of Bwyd Powys Food), Bannau Brycheiniog, Black Mountains College, Mach Maethlon, Natural Resources Wales, Neath Port Talbot Colleges, Our Food 1200, Powys County Council, Powys Teaching Health Board and Social Farms & Gardens.
Check out The Powys Diet and Corinna Kenyon-Wade’s journey on our website [https://www.cultivate.uk.com/the-powys-diet-bwyd-powys-food/]. To be part of a good food movement for Powys, sign the Bwyd Powys Food Charter and pledge your local food action [https://www.cultivate.uk.com/bwyd-powys-food/].
