Andy Richardson introduces the Shropshire Star’s recipe for healthier eating that also highlights high quality, low cost ingredients produced locally

The recession is biting deep into the pockets of producers and restaurateurs in Shropshire. As more and more families look to make ends meet, they’re economising on their weekly food bills.

Producers specialising in high quality, local produce are facing an uphill struggle to survive as people opt for cut-price cuts from bargain basement stores.

Which is why we’re launching our Credit Munch campaign. We’ve spoken to a number of restaurateurs and producers who’ve come up with recipes that are high quality but low cost. And over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing them with you.

Read this regular weekend slot and you’ll learn secrets from Michelin-starred chefs, who will tell you how to cook the best food at the lowest price.

Our campaign is being supported by many producers, chefs and food groups across the region.

Lynn Wood, a marketing expert at Heart of England Fine Foods, said: “We’re right behind moves to help local producers and venues.

“We very much support the central message of buying from local producers and making high quality dishes.”

There’s never been a better time to launch the Shropshire Star’s campaign. As the recession tightens its grip, low cost eateries are raking it in. Stores that eschew the provenance of local food are enjoying a boom time.

A national chicken joint, for instance, has responded to vastly increased demand by creating 9,000 new jobs in this country and opening up to 300 new outlets.

A popular national sandwich chain is creating 7,000 new jobs and opening 600 new outlets. Sales of a national pizza chain’s dishes are up by 10 per cent.

But food high in fat leads to obesity. And that leads to all manner of other ills.

Of course, we’re not against the humble takeaway. We enjoy them in moderation, the same as most other people.

But the point of Credit Munch is supporting Shropshire’s producers. We are determined to save the county’s bacon.

So join us each week as we journey to the best producers that Shropshire has to offer.

Follow our recipes closely and we guarantee you’ll be eating healthier, tastier, more economical food for months to come.l

Do you have a recipe you want to share? Contact us at: starfeatures@shropshirestar.co.uk