Why Supporting The Real Jam & Chutney Company Matters
There’s something undeniably magical about a jar of handmade jam - sweet, tangy, comforting. But when that jam is made by someone with a learning disability, under a social enterprise that cares deeply, it becomes so much more than flavour. It becomes a force for change.
That social enterprise is The Real Jam & Chutney Company, a proud part of Minstead Trust, which for years has been giving people with learning disabilities meaningful work, training, and a real chance to shine.
Here at Hockey’s Farm Shop, we’re proud to stock the full Real Jam & Chutney Company range, both sweet and savoury. If you’re ever in doubt about which flavour to try first, just ask any of the Hockey’s crew which is their favourite (though be warned, it might be hard to choose just one!). We’re genuinely passionate about supporting this wonderful social enterprise, and we hope our lovely customers will dive in, try something new, and get well and truly stuck in!
What They Do
Handmade preserves: jams, marmalades, chutneys - all prepared in small batches, using traditional family recipes and local produce.
Inclusive employment: people with learning disabilities are central to the kitchen team - learning, earning, growing.
Community & purpose: it’s more than just a business. Each jar sold helps sustain a mission to empower, include, and bring hope.
The Challenge They’re Facing
Real success has its growing pains. Demand is surging, but the production capacity is limited. The waiting list of stockists and orders keeps growing. Because everything is made by hand, any increase in volume needs more than just goodwill, it needs investment in better equipment.
Without stepping up now, Real Jam risks:
Missing out on new business
Letting waiting lists grow longer
Losing the opportunity to give more people with learning disabilities life-changing work experience
The Fundraiser: How You Can Help
They’re aiming to raise £10,000 by the end of September to fund new equipment and expand their capacity. This isn’t about scaling up at the expense of craft, it’s about enabling more of what already works: handmade, flavoured with care, and with a social mission at its heart.
Ways to support:
Donate directly via their “Spread the Jam!” campaign: Support Real Jam — Spread the Jam!
Shop their products - every jar bought helps. Seasonal flavours like Spiced Blackberry & Apple or Blackcurrant, Rhubarb & Cassis are rolling back in for winter.
Share their message - post online, display posters in shops, tell friends. Word of mouth matters.
Business sponsorships - companies can back the campaign through sponsorship opportunities.
Why It Matters
We’re not just talking about jam & chutney. This is about:
Giving people with learning disabilities dignity, purpose, and a chance to thrive
Supporting ethical, inclusive business models in a tough climate
Preserving craftsmanship, tradition, and flavour in food
When you support Real Jam, you’re doing more than enjoying something delicious, you’re helping build something beautiful.
What to Do Now
Head to their campaign page and donate what you can: Real Jam – Spread the Jam!
Buy a few jars for yourself or as gifts, seasonal flavours are a perfect treat for winter.
Share this blog, a social post, or their posters in shops or cafes near you.
If you run a business, consider sponsoring.
Let’s help them raise that £10,000 by the end of September, so that more cooks can join the team, waiting lists are cleared, and more lives are changed, one jar at a time.
