Day of action in Westminster
We joined 90 + members of the Sustainable Food Places network from across the UK to campaign for investment in a better food future.
On the 14th of June, the Manchester Food Board joined 90 plus members of the Sustainable Food Places network from across the UK for a ‘day of action’ in Westminster. The focus of the day was investing in a better food future and how food partnerships are leading the charge.
Sustain’s Chief Executive Kath Dalmeny gave the opening speech. She reminded attendees, including the 48 MPs who attended the event, of the amazing work that is being done at a local level. She emphasised that local food partnerships need support – and the reason we are assembled in Westminster – is the need for policies and funding to support these local efforts.
Scotland has implemented the Good Food Nation Bill and Wales has committed to fund food partnerships in every local authority. The event called for the other nations to follow suit. Patricia Gibson, SNP spokesperson for Environment, Farming, Agriculture and Rural Affairs emphasised that other nations need to take inspiration from the Scottish Good Food Nation Act and support a movement towards a resilient, sustainable and fair food system.
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Speakers from England, Wales and Scotland highlighted funded projects and their impact on their local communities and creating a robust and sustainable food economy.
The Bury Food Partnership talked about Bury market, a cornerstone of the local community and in 2019 was voted Britain’s favourite market. The market has seen investment with an increase in traders and events and a greater provision of seasonal and local fruit and veg. There has also been a success in increasing the uptake of healthy start vouchers through campaigns for consumers but also to promote the scheme to the fruit and veg stalls.
Good Food Leicestershire explained how a £10,000 pilot to create infrastructure and a supply chain of for beans attracted additional funding of £2.2 million as part of the BeanMeals project. They are delivering these beans to six schools while tracking the health impacts of these meals.
Sustainable Food Places’ Calls To Action (click to see the manifesto)
Investment in a food partnership in every local authority, alongside a food strategy endorsed by the council.
A Good Food Bill in every nation, underpinned by an independent body to champion action and scrutinise progress.
Investment in agroecological farming, small and medium size producers, and better routes to market.
Investment in local food infrastructure and skills, and business support favouring values driven or social enterprises delivering on environmental, social and health objectives.
Use existing public spending on food to support local and sustainable food systems and local food suppliers.
Investment in children’s health and healthy food access programmes, including expansion of free school meals, healthy start and school fruit and vegetable schemes, as well as school and community food infrastructure to support growing, cooking and eating good food.
Better decision-making powers for devolved governments to focus farming, economic and infrastructure investment where it can make the most impact on local economies and community wellbeing.