Sheffield is widely recognised for its diverse and resilient community, as well as its strong sense of togetherness. These qualities are illustrated by the BAMER 5 group, which plays a pivotal role in addressing food inequalities and embracing the varied cultural food traditions of Sheffield’s ethnic minority communities. The group is comprised of various community organisations and has consistently been proactive in ensuring that culturally appropriate food is readily available and celebrated through Sheffield. Today I wanted to recognise this fantastic work which goes unnoticed out of the spotlight. Plus, highlight the proactive steps other organisations are taking to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard when it comes to food policy.
The BAMER 5 group includes key city organisations: Fir Vale Community Forum, which advocates for healthy eating and reduces health inequalities related to food; ISRAAC, which sets examples of healthy Somali meals for the community; SACMHA, notable for its advocacy for culturally appropriate food in mental health wards and providing crisis food support; and ACT, which operates a social café. These organisations demonstrate the resilience and solidarity within Sheffield’s ethnic minority communities and the wider Sheffield population.
The pandemic highlighted the vital role that local community organisations play in supporting vulnerable populations. The BAMER COVID-19 Action Group, formed by 11 organisations, provided crucial support to BAMER families during the crisis. Their efforts included delivering food parcels, masks, and other essential items to those in need, showcasing a remarkable sense of community spirit and leadership during challenging times.
However, the work of BAMER 5 has not been without challenges. Many community members prefer not to use food banks due to feelings of pride and stigma. Ethnic minorities often feel unwelcome in food bank settings, and culturally appropriate food is not always available. There is also a broader issue of food policies often being shaped by a small number of white-led organisations, which can overlook the needs of diverse communities.
Despite these barriers, the BAMER 5 continues to strive for improvements, highlighting the necessity of building trust and ensuring ethnic minorities are central to food policy decisions. In an attempt to bring unvoiced communities into the conversation around food, BAMER5 organisations have been working on a new project. Along with ShefFood, the food partnership for Sheffield, and FixOurFood, a research programme focused on Yorkshire’s food system, they are finding ways to make every voice heard in our food system.
In July 2023, ShefFood, in collaboration with FixOurFood, launched a comprehensive local food action plan for Sheffield. This plan includes 73 specific actions aimed at transforming the city’s food system. However, it became clear that the plan needed to better reflect the diverse tastes and cultures of the entire city. In response, ShefFood and FixOurFood have embarked on a new collaboration to widen and strengthen participation in Sheffield’s good food movement. This initiative seeks to make local food policymaking more inclusive by engaging underrepresented groups, including the BAMER community, children, young people, and older adults.
A significant part of this effort involves recruiting four partners based in Sheffield who are actively engaged in food-related issues. They have designed and delivered an inclusive engagement process, facilitating discussions, reflecting on learning outcomes, and sharing insights with local food partnerships and other stakeholders. This initiative aims to improve the inclusivity of the local food action plan and support the invaluable work being done by diverse community groups across the city.
An event on 28th August at ISRAAC will celebrate the progress made by BAMER 5, FixOurFood, and ShefFood, as well as explore future directions. The panel discussion featuring Greg Fell (Director of Public Health in Sheffield) and Muna Taha (The Hadfield Institute) will provide valuable insights into the impact of these initiatives and the ongoing efforts to build a fairer food system. Greg Fell brings a wealth of knowledge on public health implications of food policy, Muna Taha offers perspectives on cultural and educational aspects of food systems.
The efforts of BAMER 5, FixOurFood and ShefFood represent a significant step towards building a more inclusive and sustainable food system in Sheffield. By engaging diverse communities and fostering collaboration, these initiatives are paving the way for a food landscape that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of our city.
As we celebrate the achievements so far, it is important to recognise that this is just the beginning. The insights gained from the partners and the broader community will inform future actions and policies, ensuring that Sheffield’s food system continues to evolve in a way that benefits everyone. Let us come together on 28th August to celebrate these achievements and look forward to a brighter, healthier future for Sheffield.
—
The FixOurFood research programme aims to understand and build pathways to a more regenerative food system in the Yorkshire and Humber region. It is funded by the Transforming UK Food Systems Strategic Priorities Fund. For more information, please visit: fixourfood.org.