Bristol becomes the second UK city awarded Gold Sustainable Food City status

Bristol becomes the second UK city awarded Gold Sustainable Food City status

Posted on: 14 Jun 2021

The city has been recognised for its commitments to reducing food waste and working towards a more sustainable future.

 

Bristol has been officially recognised as a Gold Sustainable Food City, awarded the status thanks to the hard work of several people and projects working to solve social, environmental and economical issues associated with its food system.

 

The city becomes only the second across the UK to achieve Gold status from nationwide partnership programme, Sustainable Food Places, after Brighton was the first to be recognised in 2020.

 

The award is thanks, in part, to the city-wide Bristol Going for Gold initiative, which was led by co-ordinating partners the Bristol Food Network, Bristol City Council, Bristol Green Capital Partnership and Resource Futures.

 

 

Speaking on Bristol's win, Bristol Food Network Director Joy Carey said:

 

“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 is why, 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.”

 

 

The city's winning application focussed on topics of food waste reduction, engaging with local communities and growing its Good Food movement, which encourages buying better, urban growing and eating more healthily.

 

From UWE & UoB's efforts to transform institutional food culture to smaller community food projects and kids clubs, initatives of all shapes and sizes have played their part in making Bristol a leader in food sustainability. 

 

Charities and action groups have also worked tirelessly to ensure people have access to nutritious meals and produce throughout the pandemic, with city-wide FOOD Clubs securing fresh food to families at a fraction of the normal cost.

 

For a full summary of Bristol's winning bid for gold status, head to the Going for Gold Bristol website.

 

Main Image: Joy Hill

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.