Buying local must 'demonstrate value for money' says DHA

An increase in local produce being served up at the Isle of Man Prison must demonstrate value for money and be paid for from existing budgets.

That's what the Department of Home Affairs has told a Glenfaba and Peel MHK. 

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson was asked about the issue in a written question from Katryna Baptist. 

Mrs Baptist had asked what percentage of meat, dairy products, vegetables and other food served at the prison is Manx-produced, whether there are plans to increase this and what it would cost. 

The minister replied saying that alongside using 100 percent Manx beef and lamb, 'approximately 70 percent of pork is locally sourced', with the remainder coming from the UK. 

Chicken is totally sourced from off-Island due to a lack of a local producer that could provide the amount needed for the prison. 

Mrs Poole-Wilson added: "The prison also produces a wide range of its own seasonal vegetables through its horticultural activities. 

"While this produce contributes towards the prison’s requirements, its seasonal nature means that the overall proportion of vegetables supplied in this way cannot be precisely quantified."

Outside of season, some vegetables are bought from a local supplier, and others are sourced from the UK. 

While expressing support for sourcing local ingredients, Mrs Poole-Wilson added that 'given the current financial position and the need to manage the department’s budget carefully, any increase in the proportion of Manx produce purchased would need to be achieved within existing resources and demonstrate value for money'.