Food is so much more than simply what we eat. It is central to our lives and connects us to the world around us. How food is produced, transported, and what happens with the resulting waste has a big impact on the environment; and our knowledge of growing, cooking and enjoying food plays a major role in our health.

Interest in local food has really increased over the past few years and it’s not hard to understand why. With the sea on one side and the downs and Weald on the other, we have access to fresh seafood, meat, dairy, and fertile land for growing fruit and vegetables.

Sussex is also home to wonderful breweries and vineyards, so it’s not just great food we have on offer but excellent drink too! And here in our city we are certainly not short of choices with a fantastic array of shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants selling and serving great food from great sources.

Sourcing your food and drink locally not only supports local businesses, it’s also good for the environment as it reduces the carbon-emitting distance food travels to get from spade to spoon. But it’s not just as simple as that. Taking into account how food has been produced, and when, is also important. For example, buying tomatoes grown in heated glasshouses in the winter is not sustainable, even if they come from Sussex. A great rule of thumb is to eat with the seasons, when fruit and vegetables are naturally at their best. They taste great and it’s better for the planet too.

Or why not try growing your own? There’s nothing like planting a seed, helping it grow and then eating the results. You can’t beat it for freshness and food miles, and the taste is pretty good too. If you want to learn more about growing your own, have a look at the Harvest website, www.harvest-bh.org.uk, which is full of tips to help get your started.

In this section you’ll read about the many shops, cafes, markets and veg box schemes around Brighton & Hove where you can buy fresh, local and ethically sourced food. Whether you’re eating out or cooking at home, take a moment to think about your food, how it was produced and where it’s come from!