By Isle of Wight Observer
Two sisters from The Garlic Farm are spending September eating only food grown, reared, caught, or produced on the Isle of Wight.
Natasha Edwards and Jo Boswell, part of the family behind the farm, launched #EatTheWight to celebrate the Island’s extraordinary range of local produce – and to show what happens when you rely entirely on it.
Both already bought much of their meat, vegetables, and dairy from Island suppliers, but wanted to push themselves further, and highlight how important local food is to the Island’s economy. Natasha, who founded the Isle of Wight Foodie Collective nine months ago, says buying direct from farmers helps keep more value in the local supply chain, and supports a farming system that is becoming increasingly fragile.
“The Island’s farming infrastructure is quite delicate,” she said. “If any part disappears, it becomes harder for the farms that remain. What we’d love to see is a demand‑led farming resurgence.”
With no abattoir on the Island, farmers rely on mainland transport and a small network of vets and support services. Natasha believes Island farms can’t compete on price with large mainland producers – but can compete on quality and provenance.
For Jo, the challenge has been eye‑opening. “I haven’t set foot in a supermarket since we started – although I have sent my partner out for toilet roll and nappies,” she joked. “Eating fresh, local, and seasonal food takes more time, organisation, and cooking skills. Doing it for a month makes you look more closely at what’s available on your doorstep.”
Without imported staples, like rice and pasta, bread and potatoes have become central. Jo thinks there could be an Island market for crops such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa.
Both say they feel healthier, though they admit to missing lemons, pepper and spices. They hope #EatTheWight will become an annual September challenge, encouraging more Islanders to join in – and more producers to offer seasonal specials when local food is at its best.
