True Food's stall at Caversham Festival proved very popular on Saturday. So many interested people stopped by, that the team even ran out of leaflets. Some people were worried that organic food was expensive, but as many of you know our prices are very reasonable because we are a non-profit organisation that seeks to make good food affordable. Many of the vegetables we sell are bought from local growers and organisations that don't use chemicals, but don't have official organic certification. reducing costs to us and our customers.

The stall featured some of the snack foods sold at the markets, such as dried fruit and nuts, Bombay mix and cans of drink. These were very popular and over £200 pounds was taken, although the main aim of the day was to spread the word about the True Food Co-op. Regular shoppers, please look out for new faces and be ready to lend a hand if anyone is looking a bit lost at your next market.

Many thanks to the volunteers, Beth, Chin, Jessica, Tanya and Jonathan, who gave up their time to run the stall.

Book Launch

Benefit Party with Red Hat Salsa

The same evening was also the night of the True food Co-op benefit party organised by Sharon Lawrey and the team from Red Hat Salsa. The evening began with a salsa and merengue class for absolute beginners (and some of us were definitely absolute beginners), followed by a salsa party and world music disco where we could try out our new steps. Lucinda Woods was on hand to give free (and much appreciated) massages. Between dances, guests munched on True Food nibbles and browsed on the True Food stall (ably manned by Tanya and Jonathan). One of the highlights of the evening was the raffle, with some great prizes including a True Food hamper, kitchen equipment, handmade organic beauty products, vouchers for free salsa classes and a massage voucher and prizes donated by Hotel Chocolate, Lush, M&S and Heelas. Overall we managed to raise about £300 to fund the purchase of new food bins for True Food Markets.

The True Food Co-op would like to extend a big THANKYOU to everyone who helped with the running and organisation of the book launch and benefit, and to all those who came along and supported us.

For more information on Red Hat Salsa contact Sharon Lawrey on 0118 9668292 or at www.redhatsalsa.com.

This year, the True Food Co-op is strengthening its relationships with local partners and sourcing more of its produce from the surrounding area. One of these partners is Thrive through their Trunkwell Garden project, in Beech Hill near Reading.

As part of the National Gardens Scheme Thrive opened its gates to visitors on Sunday 13th July and invited people to learn more about the association and to enjoy the gardens.

In prime position as visitors entered the site, True Food were there to explain what we do and show where some of the garden's produce goes. Many thanks to Rupert for manning the stall.

I was most impressed by the variety of areas within the garden. One section was a butterfly garden full of plants to attract insects, another cool and tranquil with a Japanese theme. Then tucked in the corner was a woodland area with a mature mulberry tree and so it went on. It seemed like there was something new at every turn. Our guide Linzi, one of the horticultural therapists, made sure we didn't miss anything and about half way round led us to the allotment field where produce for True Foods is grown. Look out for their potatoes soon, as they were almost ready to harvest.

Thrive is an association founded in 1978 that uses gardening to change lives. They call it social and therapeutic horticulture. Their activities are varied but focus on the benefits of gardening to individuals and organisations, especially people with disabilities. They have two garden projects. One in Beech Hill near Reading, and another one in Battersea Park in London. Around 150 people come each year to work with the horticultural therapists.

Shoppers at the True Food Co-op are familiar with the different products sold by Thrive. They are of exceptional quality while being quite affordable compared to traditionally sourced vegetables. By selling their vegetables through the True Food Co-op, not only does Thrive manage to raise funds for its running costs, but it also gives a greater sense of purpose to its members.
Source: Thrive's website http://www.thrive.org.uk

True Food volunteer Helen Wright was on BBC Radio Berkshire at 10.30 am Sunday 29th June and will be returning this Sunday. She'll be talking about 'Eating on a budget' and has been challenged to bring along a recipe for a family meal for under a fiver. As a regular shopper at our Earley market on a Friday evening, she will naturally be costing her ingredients based on True Food prices.

Last week she included a tasty recipe for Spiced Fig and Apricot Oat Crunchies from the British Heart Foundation. 

Listen in if you can and give her your support.