Currently managing the East Midlands Local Food Project, sponsored by Government Office East Midlands, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicester City and Northamptonshire Councils (the project partners), with the aim to develop sustainable food supply chains from regional producers and distributors to all schools in the region.

We established that over £25m per year is spent on food in the region and includes over 500,000 eggs, 1,000 tonnes of Jacket Potatoes, 240 tonnes of Cheese, and 180 tonnes of fresh meat.

As a result the project partners are now working jointly in creating a demand for regionally grown and reared produce. By combining resources it plans to ensure food suppliers have an easier access to contracts for schools across the region as well as having a common specification to respond to.

Speaking on behalf of the partners, Kevin McKay from Nottinghamshire County Council and Peter McGrath from Derbyshire County Council both agree that the demand for regional produce will increase over the next few years. Joint authority working in specification and menu planning will make sure we maximise our opportunities for all here in the East Midlands.