Bentley Bulk is an innovative project devised and implemented by Rob Squires
of Common Sense Solutions. The project demonstrated how several issues around food supply in cities may be addressed simultaneously:

• access to fresh food for poorer residents in inner city areas
• community self-reliance through food buying co-operatives and other activities
• supporting overworked growers in small-scale, peri-urban market gardening
• training and work experience in growing food for urban communities
• education in permaculture and approaches that stimulate enterprise and social cohesion

The initiative was commissioned by Bentley House Tenants Association, and was financed through a mix of £4,000 small grants, Workers Education Association tuition fees and voluntary investment.

A feasibility study was conducted which resulted in the conception of the Healthy Local Food (HeLF) System model, and a 6-month pilot was run. During the test-pilot approximately 50 participants benefited from the different aspects of the project, including:

• Education and awareness,
• Practical training and experience in growing and distributing food
• Good access to affordable, healthy and local produce.

The HeLF model takes a very different approach to the commercial food model: The system is viewed as a whole so all components are taken into consideration. Local Fair Trade is practiced, meaning that local suppliers are preferred, and ethical prices are paid. There is an underlying principle of co-operation throughout all aspects of the project. 

Community engagement is more important than cost-efficiency, and procedures are designed to engage the community in the Food System in as many ways as possible.

• The price to consumers includes a “Local Fair Trade Contribution” for their produce, in recognition of the value added by community engagement and supporting sustainable local food production.
  
• Low-income residents in particular are encouraged to participate in the System and earn food credits. Premium prices are thus made affordable, as produce is part-purchased using the credit they have earned.

All aspects of the social enterprise are supported by an Education and Awareness programme, teaching people about Fair Trade, Sustainable Communities, and the workings of the Healthy Local Food System. Angus Soutar designed the training component, and was tutor for the enterprise, community action and permaculture courses, with horticultural training planned and delivered by staff at Glebelands Market Garden. The project was monitored and researched by Graeme Sherriff of the University of Manchester and a study has been published as part of his PhD work.

For more information contact Rob Squires:
0161 227 8750 or email

Images suppled by Rob Squires