The food swapping movement is taking off in the UK with new groups springing up across the country.
Throughout history food has been swapped and traded, from cacao beans to spices. But a modern movement is growing in the UK with anything from home-made sushi, ice cream and pate to eggs, apples and wild garlic on offer.
The swaps are organised events where people trade home-grown, home-made or foraged foods with each other. No money changes hands, food is the only currency.
The Food Swap Network started in Brooklyn, New York, and so far 125 groups have been established across the US and Canada, from Honolulu to Boston. They are now spreading to Europe, with the UK leading the way.
Swap groups are already up and running in Nottingham, Aberdeen, York, St Albans in Hertfordshire, Altrincham in Cheshire and Ormskirk in Lancashire. New swaps are being set up all the time with interest "spiralling" in the last few months, according to those involved.
"They are really social events and you get such a mix of people, from university students to pensioners. I think people like the sense of community that a food swap provides and you meet like-minded people with the same interests. People mingle, chat and swap expertise."
It's a great idea and hopefully just the start of food sharing, says food writer Kevin Gould.
"Food sharing is where food can create peace and harmony. We could go further than swapping and start sharing meals we have cooked - have a community dinner. It has been done in some places and is a great way for bringing communities together and breaking down cultural barriers."
Some people in the UK are developing the idea. The Home Grown Exchange, which runs a food swap in Nottingham, is hosting a World War II themed swap. It also has beauty and craft swaps.
Food blogger Laura Goode recently discovered food swaps and is now organising her own in Tunbridge Wells. She describes it as a "foodie flash mob". The date has been released but the venue will only be revealed the day before.
"I've been so amazed by the interest I'm getting," she says. "I love the idea of a food swap but I want my event to be a bit different. There is a strong social media community of food lovers in my area so I thought I'd use that."....................................................
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