Britain produces some of the best food and drink in the world so come and celebrate this by taking part in British Food Fortnight activities. To see how to get involved click here . In the meantime here is a list of things you can do to buy and eat more healthily, more variedly and to discover the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain has to offer:

• When you are shopping make a special effort to seek out British food. Pause when you select your food from the supermarket aisle. Look at the label. Does it tell you where the food has come from? Does it provide a description of who produced it? And if it is imported is there a British equivalent in-season? Use our 'Want to buy British' service to help you find British food in the supermarkets.


• Shop in local butchers, greengrocers, farm shops and markets that source locally and will be able to tell you a little about the person who produced the food you are purchasing. Remember, shopping for food warrants the same amount of time as choosing that perfect dvd for a night-in or the latest computer game.
  • Please visit our farm shop directory.
  
  
  • For information on local country markets selling home-produced food direct from the producer please click here to visit the Country Markets website.
  
  
• Seek out food in season - look for, for example, celeriac, pears and game in October and fresh peas, cherries and lamb in July. Download our What's in season when wall-chart (pdf)


• When next in the pub, team up a local beer with a local speciality for an authentic experience that reflects the character of the area where you live. Ask the pub staff to point you to local food on their menu. 


• Think beyond the chicken nugget when planning a family meal out. If there is not a good children's menu ask for children-sized portions of the main menu. For new ideas on where to eat British, click here.


• Explore food from different regions of Britain as a fun way of experiencing our culture and heritage. Though there is still much bland, mass-produced food that belies little of the region it has come from, organisations like the National Trust and The Garden Centre Group make a special point of serving quality regionally distinct produce from local producers.
  • National Trust: The National Trust has 150 restaurants and tearooms.  It's fruit and vegetables are sourced in season from sustainable local producers, while all the dairy produce, meat and eggs it uses are from the UK and, wherever possible, locally sourced.  The Trust owns more than 500,000 acres of food-producing land including community growing spaces from allotments to historic kitchen gardens and mills.  They also have a wonderful'Grow Your Own' range of fun products in their shops to get the family outside and enjoying planting and growing their own food.  For more information click here to visit the National Trust website.
  
  
  • The Garden Centre Group: If sampling delicious locally sourced food is an important part of your weekends then a visit to one of The Garden Centres on-site cafes is the perfect way to enjoy wonderful British food. Click here to find your nearest Garden Centre.
  
  
• Ask the caterers who provide the food for your staff or school restaurant if they will consider serving distinctly-British produce. More and more caterers are finding that if they form long-term relationships with suppliers and perhaps encourage small producers to form co-operatives it is possible to serve quality food in a mass catering environment. Advice for your local hospital or school: click here Advice for your staff restaurant: click here


• Encourage teachers in your children's school to run food-related activities. For ideas of classroom activities for early years, primary and secondary schools, plus supporting resources, please click here.


• Cook a British meal for friends - nothing beats the old favourites like Cottage Pie or Apple Crumble. Consider inviting friends round for a British food feast. For recipe ideas click here


• Need some inspiration?  Watch this film on the origins of cheap overseas pork


• Planning a family outing? Visit a National Trust property - many organise food events; stay in a Youth Hostel with a special British menu; or a bed and breakfast that uses locally sourced ingredients; shop in your local Country Market or visit one of the many food festivals taking place around the country every weekend.


• Pick your own. What is better or healthier than being able to enjoy fresh fruit selected and picked by yourself. See here for a list of fruit farms near you or rummage in the hedgerows for blackberries.


• Grow your own. Eating food you have grown yourself - even if it is just a lettuce! - is immensely satisfying. Potatoes, herbs and carrots are easy to grow and you do not need much space to do so - click here.


• Make the most of your budget. There is a myth that eating local or British food is more expensive but this need not be the case. Click here to visit our ‘On a Budget’ page for shopping and cooking tips, easy recipes and much more.


• Last, don't forget the carrot! Britain has wonderful speciality cheeses and meats and delicious condiments but enormous pleasure can also be gained simply enjoying fresh, in-season vegetables click here.