Written by Emily Spencer, Senior Extension Associate, University of Kentucky
“Last month, as a group of researchers and educators from the University of Kentucky, we travelled to England to learn more about the local food system and the ways that organizations and businesses are creatively supporting local farmers and food producers. As part of this tour, we had the absolute pleasure of learning more about Gloucester Services and the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust.
We began our tour at Southbound Gloucester Services, learning about the history of the establishment and the incredible number of local food producers that the Services support through their multiple locations.
The relationship between the Services, GGT, community organizations, and food producers is unlike anything we have seen in the United States. It truly feels very innovative in terms of creating a sustainable model for supporting a thriving local food system.
After learning more about the operations we thankfully had some time to look around the Services and purchase some treats for ourselves – though we truly could have spent all afternoon at this location alone!
After learning more about the partnership between Gloucester Services and the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, we set out to visit with some of the food and beverage producers, as well as the community organizations that are supported through the Services and GGT. Our first visit was to Stroud Brewery – a sustainable microbrewery in Stroud. We got to meet with Greg Pilley, founder of the brewery, who has worked for the last 19 years to create a more ethical, sustainably produced beer.
“Gloucester Services entirely reinvented the concept of a highway rest area in a way that puts a spotlight on local producers. In Gloucester, they can learn about local foods, see what the region has to offer, and support local businesses.
Since the road-trip and car culture is integral to American identity, we might benefit from understanding ways to put local (or state-based) farm products, businesses, and culture at the center of travel experiences.”
Jairus Rossi, Research Professor at the University of Kentucky
Then we ventured to Godsells Cheese to meet with Liz and Bryan Godsell – another place we could have spent an entire afternoon. We enjoyed a picnic lunch with items from the Services, while nestled in between a barn and the cheese making rooms. We shared sandwiches, soda, and chips and learned all about the story behind Godsells Cheese.
Liz and Bryan both repeatedly told us that they “don’t do marketing well,” though throughout our visit, we heard some of the best storytelling around local food that I have heard. The story behind why and how each cheese is made is accompanied by a clever name that ties the cheeses to the histories and stories of Gloucester. Sampling the cheese here is an experience I will never forget.
“At the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, vendors showed an incredible level of hospitality and pride. These visits highlighted the value of collective innovation and how thoughtful partnerships can make local food systems thrive.”
Kelsi Felts, Administrative Support Associate, University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics
Lastly, we made our way to The Friendship Café, where we got to meet with Shakera – a samosa producer for the Farmshop, as well as Reyaz, a time broker with Fair Shares Community Timebanks.
We learned that Shakera went from making a few dozen samosa a week to making so many that she now currently employees three people to assist her – and all of this business has come from her involvement with the Gloucester Services Farmshop.
This stop was perhaps the most full-circle moment; where we were able to see how a food producer was connected to the Services through the Trust and is now running a very successful business that employs other people. This relationship really demonstrated the power in this model- providing small, local food producers with a steady market through which they can sell their products can help them grow into something that sustains livelihoods.
Overall, we feel very lucky to have been able to spend a full day touring the incredible network of food producers and community-oriented services that Gloucester Services and GGT support through their unique partnership and work. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the GGT team for spending the time to take us through, in detail, the work that is being done to support local food producers and people in Gloucester and beyond.”