MILKING IT...

My fridge is full again and the family are enjoying the benefits. For too long my fridge was dwindling. I hadn’t realised how easily it had happened. With the erratic and minimal raw milk supply to The Urban Co-op over the last few months I was stepping back from the table and letting the customers take the benefit. When it became clear that the local milk supply was not going to be made available to us as it was heading to Dublin and Cork retail instead, I was brought back to basics. Many years ago I started going directly to the farmers to get my milk supply. How furtive the farmers were then when I asked for milk. They were afraid. Brow beaten by the industry that was exploiting them imo…  It is how I met Sean Condon and so began the journey…. we are where we are today with The Urban Co-op because of those first steps.

I’m back again doing the same visiting local farmers but this time it’s different. Farmers have more confidence about their food. They speak with pride. This is encouraging. I’m bringing home the raw milk again. I’ve made yoghurt and kefir. There is a satisfaction that I’m nourishing my family again. About time. 

Anne Maher