Plan to transform Lewes District Food Culture Wins National Recognition

Lewes District Food Partnership’s efforts to develop a district-wide approach to food security have been recognised by their successful application for Sustainable Food Places membership.

Sustainable Food Places is a network of cross-sector partnerships in towns, cities, boroughs and counties that are using food as a vehicle to drive positive change. With support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund, the network helps people and places to share challenges, explore practical solutions and develop best practice in all aspects of healthy and sustainable food.

Lewes District Food Partnership, which is housed by Sussex Community Development Association and funded by East Sussex County Council and Public Health England, joins a network of over 55 members across the UK. Made up of representatives from local community groups, emergency food providers, district councillors and other key stakeholders, the food partnership is an inspirational example of how communities, businesses and the policy makers can work together to make affordable, good food available to all.

Chris Walker, network coordinator for Sustainable Food Places said: “We’re delighted to welcome Lewes District in to the network of places across the UK where people are coming together to change their food systems. Lewes District Food Partnership is among the first in our network to demonstrate what’s possible at a district level. By taking a joined up approach to healthy, affordable and sustainable food for all, the partnership is making long term change for the better.”

The Sustainable Food Places Network works to tackle some of biggest social, economic and environmental issues today, from an epidemic of food poverty and diet related ill-health to the loss of independent high street food businesses and family farms through to climate change, biodiversity loss and food waste.

Lewes District Food Partnership recognises that this is a particularly crucial time for developing a sustainable approach to food security, as many people across the district become impacted by the cost of living crisis and are forced to make difficult decisions about the food they buy.

Stef Lake, Food Security Project Manager at SCDA and chair of Lewes District Food Partnership, said: “Joining the Sustainable Food Places network is fantastic recognition of the work that is happening across Lewes District to build a fairer and more sustainable local food system. It is a huge achievement to be one of the first food partnerships operating a district level and reflects the hard work of everyone in the steering group. We are excited to launch our food charter later this year and to welcome new members.”

Councillor Matthew Bird, Lewes District Council Cabinet Member for Sustainability, said: “I’m delighted that Lewes District Food Partnership has been successful in joining the Sustainable Food Places Network. It’s a testament to the hard work of the Food Partnership and the shared vision that all members have worked so hard on. With the Climate and ecological emergencies and a cost of living crisis, there has never been a more important time to work together in addressing food poverty and sustainability in our food systems.”

Find out more about Lewes District Food Partnership here:

https://sussexcommunity.org.uk/our-services/community-food/lewes-district-food-partnership/

Learn more about Sustainable Food Places on their website: https://www.sustainablefoodplaces.org/