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Hub network rolls out

Although the season is coming to a close, Food Link is hoping to expand its future operations to build an island-wide local food community. It is also hoped to extend the 2021 season for some producers over the Christmas period.

The aim is to play a pivotal role in the development of a healthy food economy on the island for the future with the emphasis on fresh, local and minimal environmental impact.

The van provides a vital link between Skye and Lochalsh producers and their business and domestic customers. By using one vehicle to distribute fresh produce around the area, Food Link aims to support a growing number of diverse producers and consumers by:

  • connecting local producers to new markets
  • increasing profit margins of local producers
  • increasing the use and production of local food
  • reducing the hefty costs in time and money of distribution
  • reducing food wastage by ordering produce in advance
  • making local food more accessible to communities
  • creating a healthy and co-ordinated local food infrastructure
  • boosting economic development in Skye and Lochalsh
  • minimising the carbon footprint of food distribution around Skye and Lochalsh

The hubs act as a collection point for local consumers who order and pay for their food directly from the producer in advance.

There are a small number of producers taking part this year and are expecting to expand this list as the project gains momentum:

  • Isle of Skye Smoked Salmon, Ard Dorch
  • Isle of Skye Fresh Produce, Orbost
  • Skye Coffee Roasters, Breakish
  • MacLennan’s Isle of Skye Black Pudding, Harlosh
  • Isle of Skye Sea Salt Company, Dunvegan
  • West Coast Organics, Roag
  • Loch Eishort Mussel Culture, Sleat

The hub network began last year as a reaction to Covid-19 restrictions when businesses were unable to operate and local produce was going to waste through lack of movement and a drop in demand. Over the course of pandemic restrictions, the Food Link van provided a vital service in connecting domestic customers to local producers.

This year, Food Link received a generous grant from the Regional Food Fund to set up a network of permanent hubs to serve our business and domestic customers.

Some of the benefits of being a Food Link hub for a local business are:

  • exposure to new customers
  • gaining trust and respect for supporting local producers
  • playing a bit part in the future of a healthy local food economy for Skye, Raasay and Lochalsh and
  • gaining marketing and promotion opportunities via the Food Link website and social media.

PLEASE NOTE: Food Link producers will NOT sell directly to customers through any hubs that already stock their products.

Any business in Skye and Lochalsh wishing to become a Food Link hub is asked to contact tastelocalskye@gmail.com and you will be added to the growing list.

The Food Link has been supported by the Regional Food Fund which is delivered by the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership with funding from Scottish Government.