The diet of the handloom weavers would have been augmented in Ribchester by the nearby agricultural areas which encroached well into the village. Early maps show most homes had gardens, substantial areas of meadow, orchards and open spaces. Around 90% of the agriculture in the parish was permanent grass for rearing cattle, sheep etc and only a very small acreage was arable land, suggesting a good ready supply of meat and dairy produce. Gardens would provide vegetables, fruit and would
19th-century walled kitchen garden.
certainly allow for the keeping of poultry and pigs. Game was available legally or illegally, and possibly similarly fish. The traders in the village would provide dry goods, spices etc., or these could have been brought by itinerant traders. In the early 1800’s there was a carrier 3 times a week to Blackburn and twice a week to Preston. From – Ribchester Local History
The above website describes how Ribchester was considered a poor village until the early 19th century, when handloom weaving became the primary activity in the township.
Jane Austen's World 
Very interesting, thank you for sharing today!