Since Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS) was appointed as the new accountable body for ShefFood in April, we have been working behind the scenes to reconnect, refresh and strengthen the partnership.
With support from Public Health at Sheffield City Council, we are beginning the next chapter for ShefFood. Over the coming months, we want to bring people together, take stock of current activity across the city and celebrate the work already happening to create a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system.
What we’ve been doing
The investment from Public Health provides a foundation for the partnership to continue supporting action across Sheffield’s food system and strengthen the city’s Good Food movement.
Our work so far has focused on three key areas:
Refreshing the steering group
We have reviewed the ShefFood steering group and are developing a recruitment plan to create a larger and more diverse group. We want representation from across the working groups while also bringing in additional expertise and lived experience.
Alongside this, we have established governance structures and defined steering group roles to support the partnership as it grows, revisits the Food Action Plan and develops future priorities.
Planning a programme of reconnection
We have developed a six-month coordination plan that begins with a series of workshops for the working groups. These sessions will provide an opportunity to reconnect, share updates, identify current challenges and discuss priorities for the future.
Connecting with wider developments
We have also been engaging with local and national partners across the food sector, gathering insight into emerging policy developments and updates from the Sustainable Food Places network, of which ShefFood is a member.
Reconnecting through June and July
We have planned a series of workshops to reconnect with members of each working group and better understand the activity taking place across Sheffield.
These sessions will provide space to:
- Share current work and emerging issues
- Identify opportunities for support and collaboration
- Discuss future priorities and ambitions
- Explore the culture and values members want to see within the partnership
- Help shape the future direction of ShefFood
As a member-led partnership, your views are central to this process.
Workshop dates
Community Food Provision Working Group – Book Here
Thursday 18 June, 5.00pm to 6.30pm
The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield S1 4FW
Food Growing and Composting Working Group – Book Here
Thursday 25 June, 5.00pm to 6.30pm
The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield S1 4FW
Good Food Economy Working Group – Book Here
Wednesday 1 July, 5.00pm to 6.30pm
The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield S1 4FW
Celebrating Sheffield’s Good Food Movement
The final event in the series will bring together people and organisations from across Sheffield’s food system for an evening of celebration, networking and connection.
This event is an opportunity to recognise the contribution being made by organisations, community groups, businesses and residents working towards a better food system for the city.
We are inviting organisations to bring information, host stalls and showcase their work as we celebrate the collective impact of Sheffield’s Good Food movement.
Good Food Movement Celebration Event – Book Here
Wednesday 8 July, 5.00pm to 7.00pm
The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield S1 4FW
Organisations interested in hosting a stall can contact us at [email protected].
Join us
Whether you are already involved in a ShefFood working group or are interested in contributing to Sheffield’s Good Food movement, we would love to hear from you.
We look forward to reconnecting with partners old and new as we work together to support a thriving food system for Sheffield.