The collections at Strangers' Hall span many centuries. They document what we used to eat, where it came from and how we cooked and served it. There was a huge difference between the diets of the rich and poor. This unfortunately is as clear today as it was centuries ago. However, in the past vastly more food was grown, sold and consumed locally. Meals were prepared daily and did not rely on chemical preservatives, throw away packaging or transportation by air.

Climate change is causing more extreme weather patterns, including floods and very dry periods. This is making it increasingly difficult to grow food. Norfolk community groups are finding solutions by helping people to grow their own food, and scientists at Norwich Research Park are breeding new plant varieties which are more resistant to changes in climate and disease.