Case studies
Case studies
With over 847 amazing food enterprises selling on our platform, we wanted to know more about them – their stories, how they do things and what they care about. So, we decided to explore the variety and peculiarity of the wonderful people making localised food systems happen in their communities.
We did this through a combo of questionnaires and interviews designed to address all the gaps in our knowledge, so we could help tell the stories of the hubs in a way that is accessible. Not just to other food enterprises trying to start up, but also to funders, potential partners, policy makers – and potential customers!
You can find the results of our efforts here, in the case studies we have gathered of all the food enterprises that accepted to be part of this journey. We cover everything in detail, from their day-to-day work, how many people they work with, how their packing day looks, how engaged they are with their local community, and more.
Read on to be inspired by all the wonderful food enterprises using the Open Food Network platform and making a difference in their communities.
Sussex Grazed
“We think this is a replicable model for farmers and deer stalkers to take on, without us as a third party. We have a vision of a network of Sussex Grazed farmers all selling their own shares at different times, direct from the farm. This can be made possible with the incredible support of the OFN platform and an engaged local community of regenerative, conservation grazing farmers.” – Laura Hockenhull, Brighton and Hove Food Partnership
Read more about how these livestock farmers are selling direct to eaters and buyers: how this works, and tips on how to replicate this project.
Longstraw Bakery
Our intention is to contribute to a regenerative, resilient and accessible food system from field to table, one loaf at a time.
Read more about Longstraw Bakery’s journey and how they hope to help build a strong alternative to the commodity market by making local produce more accessible.
Tamar Valley Food Hub
Your local online farmers’ market bringing together the best of local and seasonal produce in one place.
Read more about Tamar Valley Food Hubs’ journey, from being one of the co-founders of OFN in the UK to the thriving hub they are today.
Stroudco
We sit in between the producer and consumer in the food system, and we’re trying to not prioritise either of them, as they’re equally important
Read more about Stroudco, who are helping to tackle the climate emergency by connecting up the local food economy and promoting low-impact shopping in Stroud, Gloucestershire.
Sole of Discretion
Quality, ethical, sustainable fish delivered straight to your door.
Read more about this collective of small-scale fishers fishing out of Plymouth harbour who are committed to procuring fish and shellfish that have been caught with as little damage to the marine environment as possible as well as contributing to the livelihood of small-scale fishers and their communities.
Cambridge Food Hub
An innovative food distribution system for the Cambridge area, our aim is to increase the accessibility of sustainable food whilst supporting local producers and ethical small businesses.
Read more about Cambridge Food Hub, an innovative food distribution system for the Cambridge area whose goal is to promote a sustainable local food ecosystem.
Case Study Archive
Cockermouth Country Market
Read more about this Country Market which has been serving its community for over 60 years with a range of delicious home-cooked food, plants, fruit and veg and a cornucopia of garments and gifts for all ages, tastes and budgets.
Bowhouse Link
Part of the Balcaskie estate, Bowhouse Link is a Food Hub for small business to collaborate and call home which retails not only produce from the estate but also from local producers from all across Fife.
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