Food Futures
1. Introduction
Calderdale and Kirklees Food Futures is a partnership project aiming to further health, community development, environmental, and local economic improvements by supporting the development of a more sustainable local food economy.
2. Objectives and Purpose of Project
The purpose of the project was to support the development of a sustainable local food economy in the Calderdale and Kirklees area, through which:
- As much as possible of the food that is consumed locally is produced, processed and retailed locally;
- Fresh, local food is accessible and affordable for all;
- Health, economic, environmental and social benefits are provided for the communities in Calderdale and Kirklees.
1.To raise awareness of local food and its benefits, and improve access to information enabling local, healthier food choices
2. To support community action towards developing the local food economy and tackling food poverty
3. To support new and existing local food businesses in developing local markets and supply chains and making local food more accessible and affordable
4. To develop the local food sector network, involving different groups concerned with food issues and helping to co-ordinate local food activity
5. To contribute to strategy and policy development relevant to local food issues.
Current funding has enabled work focusing particularly on objectives 1, 2 and 4.
3. Participants
The Partnership group includes representatives of Calderdale and Kirklees councils, Calderdale Primary Care Trust (PCT), Huddersfield Central PCT, Asian Healthy Community Network, Grassroots Food Network and West Yorkshire Organic Group.
4. Methodology
The project has developed from a series of 6 workshops which took place between 1999 and 2001, involving a range of local and regional stakeholders from all sectors in the fields of food production and retail, health and nutrition, environment, economic development, rural development and food access. From these workshops, a set of priorities for action to enable healthy eating, support community action to improve access to healthier foods and develop the local food economy was developed.
From these priorities, a set of aims and objectives and a rolling action plan has been developed.
From early in 2003 this programme has also been addressing identified needs, and providing advice, ‘signposting’ and practical support to community food projects. Some of the SEED funding is earmarked for meeting appropriate community training and education needs.
The Food Futures project is also currently working with allotments officers at the local councils, the Federation of Allotments and Leisure Gardeners and local voluntary action support groups to develop a package of support for allotment holders in discouraging vandalism, improving their sites, tenanting vacant plots and engaging the wider community in growing their own fruit and vegetables.
5. Evaluation
An external evaluation is to be carried out and will start in December 2003, the results will be published in January / February 2004.
6. Resources
Funding was secured in 2000 from the Calderdale and Kirklees Health Improvement Programme (HIMP). This funding pays for a part time Co-ordinator, and provides funds to allow Food Futures to make grants to community food projects in 13 priority wards. These wards are chosen on the basis of Coronary Heart Disease statistics and aim to improve access to healthier foods, encourage people to grow their own food and develop nutrition, cooking and growing skills within the community. Over £80,000 has been allocated through this grant fund so far to projects benefiting between 15,000 and 20,000 local people (based on figures provided by the funded groups). Approximately 30 – 40 grants have been handed out to date.
The project has also secured funding from the Social, Economic and Environmental Development (SEED) Programme of the New Opportunities Fund. Local Authorities contributed officer time and also student placement time.
At the present time local authorities are less involved, however they still contribute to the coordination of the project. The project also received voluntary support from individuals and groups.
7. Obstacles
At present the project is concentrating more on health due to the type of funding it is currently receiving. However, due to this some of the initial objectives are not being addressed at the present time.
At this present time they are addressing the area of procurement and are looking at local sourcing for school dinners.
8. Lessons Learned
Lessons will be identified following formal evaluation.
9. Future Work
Current funding for the project ends in March 2004. The Food Futures Partnership is currently focusing on decisions about the future of the project, and how to build on what has been achieved whilst also taking account of the full range of project objectives. A workshop was held during Autumn 2003 this involved the range of stakeholders who attended the original workshops, in order to finalise decisions about a future work programme for Food Futures.
The proposals are currently being finalised, and funding sought.
10. Contacts
Contact: Phil Champion
Job Title: Food Futures Project Officer
Tel: 01484 344286
Email: phil@foodfutres.org.uk
For further information please also refer to Calderdale and Kirklees Web Site:
http://www.foodfutures.org.uk/index.htm