Jack Stein, Chef Director at Rick Stein restaurants, Ross Geach of Padstow Kitchen Garden and Lawrence Harmer from Solve Web Media have launched a Virtual Food Festival with headline chefs including Rick Stein and Angela Hartnett.
What is the Virtual Food Festival
To help connect suppliers with people in a time where local food matters.
This newly formed not-for-profit initiative will continue its work to make food accessible for people in these difficult times, connecting suppliers to customers, raising money for charity and offering fringe events with cooking inspiration, tips and demonstrations along the way.
Our project continues after the success of the first Virtual Food Festival which included headline chefs such as Rick Stein, Angela Hartnett, José Pizarro, Mitch Tonks, Rick Toogood, Ross Geach and Jack Stein.
Ross had an idea to help support local suppliers such as farmers and fishermen who need to find a way to sell directly to the public, and, with the help of friends, the virtual food festival has been created, promoting businesses, and helping people learn how to cook and have some fun along the way.
When Ross came to Jack and suggested the concept it just made so much sense. It’s a simple idea – whilst restaurants are closed and not able to buy from brilliant suppliers, we can help to showcase their great produce so customers can order directly from them.
Ross then asked Lawrence from Solve Web Media if he could help bring this to live via the web.
An inspirational moment
The idea is the brainchild of Ross, who after receiving cancellations to attend a number of festivals in person, wanted to find a way to bring the food festival atmosphere to peoples’ homes as well as showcasing local food suppliers.
”I can’t believe that an idea I came up with less than a week ago, to help support local suppliers such as farmers and fishermen who need to find a way to sell directly to the public, is happening with the help of friends, Jack and the Stein team. Hopefully, we can promote businesses, help people learn how to cook and have some fun along the way
Ross GeachPadstow Kitchen Garden
”When Ross came to me and suggested this concept it just made so much sense. It’s a simple idea – whilst our restaurants are closed and we’re not able to buy from our brilliant suppliers, we help to showcase their great produce so customers can order directly from them.
Jack SteinChef
”I love contributing to this project! In a time where connecting people and food is more important than ever. The Virtual Food Festival is a force for good. Everybody involved is benefited, suppliers, chefs, food lovers, charities, environment. It aligns perfectly with our B Corporation awarded status of having a positive impact on planet and people.
Lawrence HarmerSolve Web Media
Why are we doing this?
We want to help support farmers, fishermen and local food suppliers in these challenging times as well as raising money for St Petrocs and the National Emergencies Trust through the medium of chef demos.
Food suppliers
They mostly have a poor online presence because they largely supply the restaurant business that is currently closed. This is a timely issue for now as they may have fields of food that will go to waste if they are not connected to people that need the food.
Restaurant/food businesses
They are currently closed and need help to survive C19. We will highlight businesses and help them adapt.
Chefs
Chefs are willing to donate their time to create awareness and offer secret recipes tips and techniques in a time of need.
Create a community
By creating a tribe of people that have an affinity with food and drink, we have a community of food lovers that can help connect others in need.
Benefit the people
People will get access to local, high quality produce. They learn how to use food effectively, Food is accessible in a time of restriction, Tips on saving money with food, how to cook effectively to maximise nutritional value and longevity.
Benefit the environment
Less carbon footprint from travel, less packaging, creating what is needed, not more. Minimising waste from supermarket crops that are left to rot.
Benefit the community
Connecting suppliers with people will give access to food when supermarkets and online delivery is restricted. Helping suppliers helps feed money into the system
Benefits for all stakeholder
It is important that there is a win for everyone involved. Whether a supplier, a customer, a follower, featured business, a helper. A project for good.
How to donate
Donating is easy, fast and totally secure. Simply donate to help connect people and food or select one or more of the following rewards that suit you!
How to view and join the community
The festival will be streamed live on the Virtual Food Festival YouTube channel.
How to view the food festival
The festivals will be streamed live on YouTube and re-posted after.
