Sustainable Food Networks
Rural communities in Northamptonshire face significant challenges related to food insecurity and poverty. Factors such as financial hardship, limited access to affordable and nutritious food, and inadequate transportation contribute to these issues.
A survey conducted by Northamptonshire ACRE in Autumn 2020 revealed that 25% of respondents worried about the cost of food, and 45% felt that living in a rural area increased food expenses. The survey also highlighted that 22% of respondents with children struggled to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.
These challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to concerns that many individuals in rural areas are unaware of or unable to access support services readily available in urban settings.
To address these issues, Northamptonshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) has been instrumental in establishing and supporting two key initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable food practices within the county: the North Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network and the West Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network.
North Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network
In January 2021, Northamptonshire ACRE, in collaboration with Made in Northamptonshire, founded the North Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network. This initiative was partly in response to concerns raised from a rural food survey and the desire to unite various organizations working towards improving food access and sustainability in the region.
The network is a partnership of organizations, including charities, community and voluntary groups, local authority representatives, and food and drink providers, producers, and suppliers. Its mission is to ensure that North Northamptonshire is a sustainable food place where everyone can enjoy healthy, local, affordable food, and communities can help shape their local food environment.
Northamptonshire ACRE currently chairs and coordinates the North Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network, leading efforts to eradicate food poverty, promote healthy eating, support local farmers and producers, educate young people about growing and cooking, and encourage the ‘buy local’ theme.
West Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network
The West Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network emerged from research into rural food insecurity and poverty conducted by Northamptonshire ACRE and a complementary study by the Northampton Hope Centre. Today, the Hope Centre, together with West Northamptonshire Council, provide central support for the network.
The network aims to improve the quality of how food is produced, sold, and used in the area for people of all incomes through a dynamic multi-agency partnership drawn from all sectors. It is committed to ensuring everyone, including those on the lowest incomes, gets access to good food and is working towards increased local growing, food literacy, and access to good food.