Rethink Food

02/04/2026

Rethink Food and others who are the potential members of the Staffordshire Good food partnership are beginning the work of defining what the partnership should look like, and what the priorities are.

The years we have spent analysing the issues means that we have a pretty clear idea of what the food issues in Staffordshire are. We just need to move to a more active phase. This seems particularly urgent now given the impact of War in the Middle east, and the shortages that are going to result from that.

If you are interested in being part of building the partnership please get in touch with me so that I can link you into the discussions.

05/01/2026

Reading my way through the Farming Profitability Review - produced for Defra by Minette Batters. This is one of the recommendations that I find most interesting.
It is perhaps particularly useful given that the Farmers have just been holding protests at the distribution centers for supermarkets.
It is right to make the point that Farmers are not always paid fairly for what they produce. It is also perhaps a good idea to think through what needs to be done to produce food in a way that makes a profit and also makes it possible for more people to buy locally produced high quality food at a fair price.

02/12/2025

Drawing on nine pilot projects, this report shows the impact that a small investment in organic fruit and vegetables for people living on low incomes can have in communities across the UK.

27/11/2025

how about this for an idea. Could work to bring fresh local food to many of the villages and estates that do not have food shops.

In this future-focused idea for Denmark, retired buses are transformed into mobile grocery stores that bring fresh food directly to older residents.

They follow weekly routes through towns and city neighborhoods, making essential shopping easier for seniors who face distance or mobility challenges.

Inside, the buses feature non-slip ramps, handrails, warm lighting, and comfortable heating. Shelves are stocked with local produce, bread, dairy, and everyday goods arranged at accessible heights.

Some buses even include small seating nooks where seniors can rest, enjoy a warm drink, or share a brief conversation with staff. These moments turn a routine errand into something more meaningful.

Run by local teams and volunteers, the buses become a familiar presence that supports independence, reduces isolation, and connects communities with fresh regional food. At the same time, they give retired vehicles a sustainable new purpose.

Source: Larsen, M., Jensen, A. (2024). Community-Centered Mobility Solutions. Nordic Social Innovations Review, 12, 44.

13/11/2025

13/11/2025

This is what Shropshire Good food Partnership is working towards.
In Staffordshire meetings are now planned to help us bring together the good work happening throughout the county, and work towards a Staffordshire Good food movement.
If you are interested in playing a part in this process then please get in touch so we can link you in.

Building a Strategy for Shropshire

At the Shropshire Good Food Partnership, we’re helping to shape policy by working alongside citizens and our local council to create a Food Strategy for Shropshire — one that truly represents people, place, planet, and our local food economy.

For residents, this means better access to good food, more support for local producers, and stronger community connections built around health and sustainability.

For Shropshire as a whole, it’s a step towards a resilient, fair, whilst regenerating the food system — one that supports livelihoods, protects our environment, and ensures good food for everyone, now and for the future.

A county-wide strategy that puts food at the heart of climate action and community wellbeing. 🌱

14/07/2025

What do we think?

In this Dutch suburb, everyone is a farmer. Welcome to Oosterwold! Residents of this unique community near Almere, just an hour from Amsterdam, are required ...

12/07/2025

12/07/2025

This is the way that Powys have been working with new farming entrants to make growing veg for the community a realistic thing to do.

Currently reading my way through "serving the public" which I am anticipating looks at the way to use public procurement as one of the ways to improve our food systems - with the aim to make good food available for everyone.

12/07/2025