Business editor

Last updated at 12:59, Wednesday, 04 January 2012

An online Cumbrian supermarket that delivers to doorsteps across the county is expanding its service to schools and holiday parks.

Cumbrian Food Direct, based in Maryport and Penrith, offers Cumbrian produce from a range of suppliers delivered to people’s homes.

Such has been the success of the venture – launched last year – that bosses have now widened the service to take in schools, holiday lets, campsites and caravan parks.

The business is also aiming to develop links between Cumbrian food producers and local schools and will begin funding school trips to county suppliers this year.

Nigel Ellis, general manager, said: “People are interested – now more than ever before – about where their food comes from.

“We are working in partnership with more than 50 Cumbrian food producers, helping us to deliver the best fresh food online shopping service in the region.

“We are committed to creating training placements and providing work experience for young people and we will be creating and developing links between our suppliers and Cumbrian schools throughout 2012.

“We have money available to subsidise visits of school pupils to suppliers and we look forward to working with schools to raise food awareness issues with our young people.”

Shoppers can browse products on the company’s website – at www.cumbrianfooddirect.com – before ordering online or by phone.

The service also sells produce from other areas of the UK, as long as it’s from “environmentally aware” sources or organic producers.

Its backers hope to boost the Cumbrian economy and help the environment by reducing the distance food has to travel.

The project has been supported by the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food Scheme, the Rural Development Programme for England and Allerdale council.

First published at 11:24, Wednesday, 04 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk