LOCAL communities are being urged to come together to celebrate food during Harvest Festival.
The second national celebration of regional food and drink, British Food Fortnight, occurs during the Harvest Festival season from September 20 to October 5.
Churches Together in England is encouraging both urban and rural churches to think outside the box and approach the local pub, restaurant, baker or butcher to celebrate local produce in ways that will strengthen the local community and recognise all components of the food chain.
The Rev Canon Jeremy Martineau, CofE National Rural Officer at the Stoneleigh-based Arthur Rank Centre, explained: "We are encouraging folk to consider the impact food has on their local economies, health, diet, international trade and care for the environment, as well as our social and family life."
He added: "Churches can be more imaginative in how they plan Harvest festival, involving businesses that grow, process and serve food."
Anyone interested in organising an event, including a Harvest Festival for their own community, can visit the Arthur Rank Centre website www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk to either register their event so that it can be promoted as part of British Food Fortnight, or to search for an event to take part in.
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