As we step into 2025, the team at ShefFood is stirring up a bold new plan to make Sheffield’s food system fairer, healthier, and greener. We’re not just here to talk about food—we’re here to make a difference, bite by bite. With the help of our fantastic partners and the support of everyone in the city, we’re ready to create and support some exciting initiatives this year.
If you read last week’s article, you’ll know that 2024 was a busy year for us, and our plate is pretty full, but our ambitions are even bigger. Food insecurity continues to challenge many in Sheffield, whether it’s a crisis situation requiring emergency food or the quieter struggles of worrying about where the next meal will come from. It’s not about personal failings; food insecurity can affect anyone. Even for those who aren’t directly impacted, our city’s food initiatives offer opportunities to connect, improve well-being, and support the wider community. In 2025, we’re determined to tackle these issues with renewed energy and creativity.
One of our main ingredients for success is Sheffield’s Community Food Provision Map, which has already helped people access meals, food banks, and affordable food options across the city. Last year, we mapped over 100 locations, from community fridges to social eating spaces. But we know there’s more out there, so we’re calling on everyone: if you have a kitchen, a food project, or a space that could support people, businesses or community organisations, we want to hear from you. We are building a much clearer picture of food provision data, the first the city will have ever had, and we cannot stress enough what a vital resource this will be for the city.
But wait, more mapping must be done, not just in kitchens and pantries. This year, we’ll see work from Regather and the University of Sheffield completed for mapping Community Gardening projects across the city. These spaces aren’t just about growing veg or flowers but about growing connections, skills, and resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just fancy going to plant a few spuds, there are opportunities to dig in and be part of something special, and this map will help you find the right place for you.
We’ll also see the completion of Sheffield’s Good Food Economy Directory of Suppliers, showcasing local producers who can fill gaps in supply chains for businesses, organisations, and public institutions. Whether it’s a café needing local eggs or a school looking for fresh veg, this directory will make it easier to keep things local, ethical, and sustainable. It will be a fantastic resource that could make a considerable difference to everyone in the city.
Beyond mapping, we’re focusing on connection and collaboration. Sheffield is bursting with resources—whether it’s surplus food, skilled cooks, or volunteers—but these aren’t always distributed fairly. We’re working to connect the right people and organisations, ensuring nothing goes to waste. It’s about sharing what we have, whether ingredients or ideas, to ensure everyone in the city eats well.
Another crucial part of this year’s plans is the Local Food Action Plan (LFAP), which we updated and relaunched at the end of 2024. Think of it as Sheffield’s recipe book for a thriving food system. It’s packed with projects and campaigns to make food in Sheffield fairer, healthier, and greener. We’ve already done so much to support these initiatives this year; we’re now excited to dive even deeper into this next phases of the road map. From creating food-growing spaces to reducing waste and promoting cultural diversity through food, the LFAP is our guide to making Sheffield’s food scene the envy of the UK. It was even praised by Sustainable Food Places at their Day of Celebration and Action 2024 in Westminster, which we attended with over 100 other partnerships.
None of this would be possible without the people of Sheffield. You’re the secret ingredient in every success we’ve had so far and every plan we’re cooking up for the future. We know the challenges are real. Food insecurity, cost-of-living pressures, and climate change are daunting. But Sheffield is a city with resilience and creativity in abundance. Together, we can create a food system that doesn’t just feed us but nourishes our communities, supports our local economy, and respects our planet. We’ve already achieved so much, and we are excited for the next chapter.
So, here’s our call to action for 2025: let’s keep talking, sharing, and working together. There are three things we can ask you to do this January: sign up for our newsletter, sign the charter and/or come along to one of our working group events.
This year, let’s set the table for a Sheffield where everyone is welcome, everyone is fed, and everyone has a role to play. After all, food isn’t just about what’s on our plates—it’s about the connections we make and the communities we build. With your help, we’ll make 2025 a year to savour.