Bristol has become only the second city in the UK to be awarded the status of Gold Sustainable Food City.
It joins Brighton and Hove in gaining the accolade from Sustainable Food Places, the UK partnership programme recognising cities tackling environmental, social and economic issues in their food systems.
The winning application included schemes to reduce food waste, empower community action and strengthen the city’s good food movement which seeks to improve food equality through better growing and eating.
It follows the work of the city-wide Bristol Going for Gold initiative, led by Bristol Food Network, Bristol City Council, Bristol Green Capital Partnership, and Resource Futures.
The successful bid included; The Children’s Kitchen, a programme to help children learn how to grow and eat fresh produce; FOOD Clubs, which provides nutritious food at less cost for families across Bristol; and Grow Wilder, an education site for people to make positive changes around sustainable food growing and wildlife practices.
Bristol’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Asher Craig, was the Chairperson of the Going for Gold Steering Group.
She said: “Bristol’s Gold achievement is a testament to the whole city rallying together and taking action, from citizens and organisations to policy makers.
“More than ever there is a collective energy calling for food that is good for people, communities and the planet to be available to everyone in Bristol. This award makes clear that Bristol is on the right path towards a better food future for all citizens.”
Director of Bristol Food Network, Joy Carey, says the new Gold status recognises the effort of individuals, initiatives and projects across the city to make a positive difference.
“Since achieving silver status in 2016, we’ve been determined to support and uncover more individuals, projects and initiatives that are contributing positively to a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for the city and its citizens.
“Bristol is brimming with people who are passionate about doing better when it comes to food and it has been our job to capture their stories and impact, whilst doing all we can to support a joined up and holistic approach to food in the city.
“How we produce, trade, eat and waste food influences the most pressing issues facing us today: from climate and ecological breakdown to human health and well-being, from poverty and justice to animal welfare. This is why food matters and we’re delighted that this work has been recognised at the highest level.”
