Create a food partnership

Across the UK around 50% of all food consumed is imported and local food spend only equates to around 1-2% of household food spend. However, locally-produced food bought from a local retailer can be worth almost ten times as much to the local economy as the same food from a far distant producer, purchased in a supermarket. In addition, growing the local food economy by sourcing more food locally can radically reduce food miles.

Community food projects, including allotments and community cooking and meals, contribute to this system, impacting positively on residents’ wellbeing and on the local environment. So too does redistributing surplus food to those who can use it, as it not only supports food sharing in communities but also reduces unwanted carbon emissions.

Look to the Glasgow Food Policy Partnership for this systemic thinking in action. Their aim is to bring together practitioners across the food network, along with interested individuals, to develop a flourishing food system in the city. Partners include organisations from all different sectors including the Glasgow Community Food Network, which represents over 200 community organisations around Glasgow.

By taking a more holistic approach, more people can benefit – irrespective of where they live, their income or personal circumstances – as well as those who work in the food industry. And a more resilient food system that is fairer and kinder to both people and the environment makes an important contribution towards the city’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Food partnerships are now a national movement, with organisations and community groups joining together to create healthier and more sustainable food systems locally. What kind of food partnership would make your town or city a better and healthier place to live in?