[C]umbria’s local food economy is set to benefit from significant investment with the award of contracts worth £6.8million over the next four years following a decision today at Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet (14 June).
Two local suppliers have successfully secured the work from the council to supply care homes and schools:
Pioneer Food Distributors (Carlisle) Ltd has won four county-wide contracts to supply a range of foods, including fresh meat, fruit and vegetables; frozen foods and groceries.
North Lakes Foods Ltd has been successful in winning the county-wide contract for fresh milk.
Both contracts will start on 1 August 2018.
Commenting on the news, the council’s deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Ian Stewart said: “This is really great news for the local economy and in particular these two local businesses. As a council we are committed to supporting local suppliers wherever possible – helping secure local jobs and help keep our spending local.
“Crucially though these contracts will also help the council achieve a significant saving of just over £100,000 based on our previous spend. Finally, because the contract is local we are also able to reduce the number of deliveries required which in turn lowers our carbon emissions and transaction costs. So today’s announcement is a win-win for everyone.”
