On October 16th, World Food Day, we were reminded of food’s critical role in our lives. The theme “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future” highlighted the global challenge of hunger. In Sheffield, ShefFood has been leading efforts to transform things on a local level; improving our food system by making healthy, affordable food accessible while supporting sustainability.
If you’ve not heard of ShefFood, it is a partnership of public agencies, businesses, individuals, academic institutions and community organisations committed to making Sheffield’s food system work for everyone—from producers to consumers. The Local Food Action Plan was co-created through a unique collaboration with FixOurFood, a research programme led by the University of York. With the support of more than 100 organisations, ShefFood has drawn together diverse voices to address the challenges Sheffield faces around food equity, sustainability, and resilience.
This plan isn’t just a vision—it’s a living document. It provides practical actions that are already being implemented, and it aims to create a ripple effect across the city’s food landscape, ensuring that everyone benefits from a fairer, greener, and healthier food system.
This past year has brought exciting and transformative projects to Sheffield, each contributing to a more resilient and sustainable food system. There have been many remarkable achievements in the past 12 months. Some highlights we’d like to mention include ShefFood’s participation in Food Conversations and The CLES Project, the advancement of community food provision in the city, and the recent development of the Norton Nurseries space in Graves Park.
ShefFood’s participation in the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission’s (FFCC) Food Conversations aims to engage Sheffield residents in discussions about the future of food systems. By providing a platform for locals to share their views on food security, sustainability, and public health, ShefFood is helping shape a more sustainable food future. These conversations contribute to national policy discussions, ensuring Sheffield’s food scene plays a key part in improving the UK’s wider food landscape. This is just one example of how ShefFood works collectively with Sheffield folk to build a good food movement.
ShefFood has also collaborated with the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and the University of Sheffield. This year, they launched a research project to strengthen local food economies through public procurement. The project aims to encourage public sector institutions to procure food from local sources, support local producers, and prioritise healthy, sustainable food options. This collaboration will promote sustainability, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, and support small businesses in Sheffield.
Another major success this year has been the development of the Community Food Provision (CFP) Working Group. The group, formerly known as the Food Ladders Project, now serves as a platform for community food providers, Sheffield City Council and other local organisations to discuss, share knowledge, and address food access barriers. The working group helps providers overcome challenges such as sourcing food, accessing resources, and planning ahead—like winter preparation plans already being developed this year. These meetings have led to valuable initiatives, including setting up a fridge bank, linking providers with national networks like Feeding Britain, and helping organisations find cost-effective solutions, such as hiring affordable debt advisors. At its core, this group ensures Sheffield’s community food providers, many of whom are volunteers, are supported and connected, enabling them to tackle local and national food challenges more effectively.
This spirit of collaboration is reflected in the Norton Nurseries development, which addresses the growing competition for surplus food (Something highlighted by the CFP network). The transformation of public land at Graves Park into a hub for nature-friendly food production will support local community food providers, such as Food Works, by supplying fresh, locally grown produce. By reducing reliance on surplus food and increasing the availability of locally sourced ingredients, the Norton Nurseries project will improve access to nutritious food for Sheffield’s communities. It will also promote sustainable, community-led agriculture that benefits the local economy and the environment.
As we look ahead, ShefFood’s ambitions continue to grow. Their Good Food Movement aims to involve more Sheffielders than ever before. Whether it’s joining a working group, volunteering at a local growing project, or simply making more sustainable food choices, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.
In the coming months, ShefFood will continue to expand its efforts in five key areas:
Health and Wellbeing: Ensuring that nutritious, locally sourced food is accessible to all and promoting healthy eating across the city.
Growing and Composting: Scaling up urban food production and encouraging more Sheffield residents to get their hands dirty in community gardens and composting projects.
Economy: Supporting local food businesses and producers by connecting them with procurement opportunities and ensuring that Sheffield’s economy benefits from its food system.
Community Food Provision: Strengthening networks that provide food support ensuring that no one in Sheffield goes hungry.
Food Citizenship: Encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping Sheffield’s food system, from growing food to participating in policy discussions.
ShefFood’s incredible progress over the past year shows what can be achieved when a city comes together with a shared vision. But there’s still work to be done, and ShefFood needs your help. Whether you’re passionate about health, growing, the local economy, or supporting your community, there’s a place for you in one of ShefFood’s working groups. Be part of a movement that’s transforming the city’s food system from the ground up—one that’s fairer, greener, and more resilient for everyone.
To find out more about how you can get involved and make a difference, visit ShefFood’s website or contact the team at [email protected].
