New Government Food Strategy names Incredible Edible

Earlier this month, the Government released a new Food Strategy. We were delighted to find that the report directly name-checks Incredible Edible and the work our groups do to contribute to building resilient communities and food systems. 

 

The new strategy intends to “bring together the entire food system to build a future where good food is accessible to everyone, not just a privileged few. A future where every child, every family, and every community can access healthy, affordable, and proudly British food.” and that “It has become increasingly apparent that the food system is driving negative impacts on our health, environment, and resilience that undermine our food security.  In recent years, we have seen exceptionally high levels of food price inflation, impacting household food security, particularly for the most vulnerable.”

The report outlines a range of outcomes which it says the Government must work towards. Outcome 10, which recognises the importance of programs like Incredible Edible, is that “People are more connected to their local food systems and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily”.

The report says that in order to improve our food system and revitalise our food culture, we need more people who are knowledgeable and passionate about local food. We also need to create environments that enable and celebrate local food initiatives. The report emphasises that  there are opportunities for the government to collaborate with partners, including Incredible Edible, who are already delivering inspiring activities.

What’s really excellent about this new strategy, and outcome 10 in particular, is that it recognises that connecting individuals with their local food systems doesn’t just result in people who have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily, but that it also enlivens food culture (outcome 9),  can support improved food environments (outcome 1), local food businesses (outcome 3), sustainable local production and reduced waste (outcome 5). 

Finally, the report acknowledges a key element of the work of Incredible Edible; that households and communities that are more connected and engaged with local food systems are likely to be better placed to be resilient to food system shocks, as also made clear in a recent report from the National Preparedness Commission which joins our calls for a Right to Grow.

You can read the full Food Strategy here, and find Outcome 10 here.