BOURNEMOUTH is set to launch its first ever Food Assembly in a bid to make bring farmers, food makers and their produce from across Dorset and the New Forest to the town every week.

The Food Assembly works like an online pop up market with consumers selecting and purchasing their products from producers' internet stalls, before getting together at the Cottonwood Hotel on Wednesday evenings.

Each week consumers will be able to meet the producers and pick up the products they’ve purchased, whilst getting to know members of the local food community.

The project is part of the work of the Sustainable Food City Partnership for Bournemouth and Poole. Manager Sarah Watson said: “There are so many really great producers in Dorset and the New Forest, yet it’s really difficult to be able to buy their products.

"The Food Assembly will fill this huge gap in the market in a really convenient way, our members can simply purchase their food in advance online, and as we're so local it’s a quick and easy to stop in on the way home from work to pick up the amazing local produce."

She added: "All our local producers come from within 40 miles of the Assembly so the products truly are local, unique and fresh. Plus, by coming along to the Assembly you also get to meet the people behind the food! Most importantly for us it is about building a food community in the heart of the towns and supporting people to make really positive food choices.”

Around 200 food producers have signed up to the project so far as they will receive 80 per cent for their products sold through the Food Assembly, in comparison to 20-40 per cent from supermarkets.

For every £1 spent, 90p stays in the local economy. The official launch will take place from 5.30pm on Wednesday July 13 at the Cottonwood Hotel on East Cliff.

For more information, or to join the Food Assembly, visit thefoodassembly.com or contact Sarah on 07825 844362.