Kendal Farmers Market is proud to announce that Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron will attend the Food School this summer on 11^th July.

During the morning, Tim will introduce the food school speakers for the day and share some thoughts and insight as to why it's now more than ever really important to Buy Local Back British by championing local businesses in response to recent international economic instability.

During his time at the Farmer's Market, Tim will meet several traders, try their produce and discuss their business aspirations and share some thoughts on how communities can come together to support local farmers, producers and independent high street shops by shopping locally, which in turn will help those businesses prosper, create jobs and increase the viability of our rural communities.  

The monthly Food School is more than just a market; it's specifically designed to bring together producers, food enthusiasts, and curious visitors on the second Friday of each month. It's a place where visitors to the Market will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare fresh, local ingredients as producers and stallholders from the market take to the stage, share insider tips and skills and enjoy conversations about food, provenance, and flavour.

The Food School sessions take place on the second Friday of the Month in Kendal's Market Place, with sessions at 11am, 12pm and 1pm.

11^th July  

11.00 am – Pennington's Spirits and Liqueurs - Mike Pennington discussing artisan spirits production

12.00 pm – Dans Plants – Dan Stearn chatting about growing sustainably, peat-free methods and seasonal planting advice for hardy perennials

1.00 pm – Kitridding Farm - Stewart Lambert chatting about provenance and quality meat

08^th August  

11.00 am – Askerton Castle – Chris Evans discussing organic farming and regeneration  

12.00 pm – Martindale Muscovies & Waterfowl - Laura Robinson chatting about farming and producing goose and duck eggs

1.00 pm – Provino Wines - Alberto Zambianchi talking about wine from his family vines in Italy

12^th September  

11.00 am – Wagtail Kitchen - Steve Manders chatting about pies and pie making

12.00pm – The Smoky Barrel - Stuart Hare sharing an insight into the art of smoking jerky

1.00 pm – Kendal Nature - Craig Russell chatting about Kendal Nature's plans and how the organisation connects individuals, communities and organisations to make a difference for nature and people in Kendal

10^th October

11.00 am – Ginger Bakers - Lisa Smith chatting about her business journey and sampling some of her delicious cakes and bakes 

12.00 pm – Bean & Dunne - Mike Dunne will demonstrate the art of roasting using a camping stove and a frying pan

1.00 pm – Sweet Treats by Martin Frickel - Martin Frickel will spend time chatting about his culinary journey and sharing samples of his sweet treats.

During each of the sessions, marketgoers will have the opportunity to find out more about the produce they buy, meet the people behind the brands and hear their stories, as well as sample produce and get inside hints and tips on how to get the best from the ingredients they can buy in person at the Farmer's Market.

Each session is entirely about building relationships and connections through face-to-face conversations, where visitors get to meet the people behind the produce they buy. It's an opportunity for traders to help demystify the world of food through stories about their personal food journeys and the challenges and triumphs they've faced along the way.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, remarked: "In our part of the world, we are incredibly lucky to have so many fantastic food producers and small businesses. But in these deeply uncertain economic and political times, they need our support now more than ever. That's why the Liberal Democrats have launched a Buy Local Back Britain campaign, encouraging everyone to play their part in supporting local businesses."

Adding: "I'm really looking forward to visiting Kendal Market Food School to learn about the challenges they face and to discuss how we can champion them both in Westmorland and Westminster."

Peter Gott, Chair of Kendal Farmers Market, remarked: "We're thrilled that Tim can join us for our July Food School at Kendal Farmers' Market. Now, more than ever, we need to get behind our local businesses, show our support and help save jobs and livelihoods. It's one of the main reasons why, over the years, I've continuously urged people to think local when they go shopping, to think about how they want their local area to look and feel in the future. Without our farming communities, the UK food landscape will be very different, and unless we shop local, that landscape will change forever, and we will be even further removed from those who produce what we eat day in and day out. The simple fact of the matter is that if you want to eat healthy and sustainably, locally-sourced and produced food is the best option. You know exactly what you are getting and how that food was produced, and most importantly, who has produced what you eat."

For more information about Kendal Farmers Market, visit: https://kendalfarmersmarket.co.uk