Why Supporting Local Food in Winter Matters
Winter might feel like a quiet time for food production, but supporting local farmers, producers, and artisans during the colder months is more important than ever. There’s still an abundance of incredible, locally made food and drink to enjoy—and by choosing local, you’re helping to sustain your community in meaningful ways.
Here’s why it matters and how you can continue to support local food in winter:
Supporting Farmers All Year Round
Even though the fields may be cold & weather beaten, local farmers still work hard throughout the winter. Whether it’s polytunnel grown greens, root vegetables stored from the autumn harvest, or pasture-raised meat, many local producers rely on year-round sales to keep their businesses running. By buying locally in the winter, you’re helping farmers and producers maintain a steady income during what is often a challenging season.
Keeping the Local Food Economy Thriving
When you purchase from local food producers, your money stays in your community. It supports small businesses, creates jobs, and helps build a resilient local economy. This is especially important in winter, when sales often drop. By choosing local, you ensure these businesses can continue to operate and grow.
Fresh, Seasonal, and Sustainable Options
Local food is often fresher and has travelled fewer miles to get to your plate, reducing its environmental impact. While winter produce may be more limited, root vegetables, winter squashes, microgreens, and hearty greens like kale and cabbage are still in season and packed with nutrients. Many local producers also offer preserved foods like jams, pickles, and sauces that showcase the flavours of the harvest year-round.
A Chance to Discover Winter Delights
Winter is the perfect time to explore the hidden gems of your local food scene. From handmade breads and pastries to locally brewed craft beers and hearty cheeses, there’s plenty to enjoy even when fresh produce isn’t as abundant. Winter markets and farm shops often feature these comforting foods, giving you a taste of what makes your area special.
How You Can Support Local Food in Winter
Visit local markets
We are fortunate to have two fantastic, UK award-winning markets on the Causeway Coast where you can find local vegetables, meats, dairy products, and artisanal goods. You’ll be surprised by the variety and quality of food available, along with stunning selections of local art, crafts & handmade merchandise.
Causeway Speciality Market – starting 8 February 2025, based around Coleraine Town Hall
2nd Saturday of every month, then 2nd & 4th Saturday from April
Facebook: Causeway Speciality Market Coleraine
Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market – starting 1st March, Limavady Drumceatt Square. This is a roaming market, with regular market dates throughout the year around the Causeway Coast and Glens.
https://www.nncg.co.uk/
Shop Local
Local farm shops, deli’s, grocers, speciality stores, and our Visitor Information Centres located in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Limavady (open all year round), Bushmills & Portrush (open seasonally), stock products from nearby farms, artisans & drinks producers. Look for labels that highlight local origins, and prioritise those items over imported options.
Some suggestions;
Ballykenver Farm Shop, Armoy – https://ballykenverfarm.com/
Maegden, Bushmills – https://cheesemaegden.com/
Galbraith Bros Agri and Farm Shop, Coleraine – https://www.facebook.com/gbfarmshop
Corndale Farm, Limavady – https://www.corndalefarm.com/
Broughgammon Farm, Ballycastle – https://www.broughgammon.com/
McListers, Ballycastle – https://www.facebook.com/mclistersballycastle/
Glebe Farm, Limavady – https://glebefarms.co.uk/
Born and Bred, Portstewart – https://www.instagram.com/bornandbreadportstewart/
Chestnutts Farm, Portrush – https://chestnuttsfarm.co.uk/
Lacada Brewery, Portrush – https://www.lacadabrewery.com/
Fairleys – https://www.fairleys-wines.co.uk/
Online: https://www.seasonsoftheglens.co.uk/
Explore Local Food Tours
Take a food tour (like the ones we offer!) to discover and support local producers in a fun, interactive way. You’ll get to taste seasonal delights and learn about the stories behind the food, all while directly supporting small businesses.
Stock Up on Preserved Goods
Winter is a great time to enjoy jams, pickles, chutneys, and sauces made by local artisans. These products not only taste amazing but also capture the flavours of the growing season.
At this time of year I love Annie’s Delights Beetroot Chutney – we pair this on our ‘The Spirit of the Bann’ trips with North Coast Smokehouse Hot Smoked Salmon – delicious!, Broughgammon Farm homemade ketchup, Maegden garlic pickled pears (delicious with Mike’s Fancy Cheese Young Buck), Tartine at Distiller’s Arms Distiller’s Pickle Sauce and for a sweet treat Devil’s Churn irresistible Caramel Sauces.
Spread the Word
Encourage your friends and family to buy local, and share your favourite local finds on social media. Word of mouth is a powerful way to support local businesses and build community awareness.
A Winter Commitment to Local Food
Supporting local food in winter is about more than just what’s on your plate—it’s about sustaining the people, businesses, and traditions that make your community unique. By making conscious choices to buy local, even during the colder months, you’re playing a vital role in preserving the local food system for future generations.
So, this winter, embrace the season by savouring the comfort and creativity of locally produced food and drink. Together, we can keep our community vibrant and connected—all year long.