Buckinghamshire Food Partnership has always been driven by the needs across the county. Whether it is the need for local producers to have spaces to sell their produce, the need for better education about healthy and sustainable diets within our schools, or the increased demand for foodbanks.
Our Action Group themes allow for focused discussion, action and coordination. Anyone is welcome to attend if they have a particular interest or idea they would like to share or seek information about. Each group has a Chairperson and you can find out more information about forthcoming meetings and events below
Farming & Food Business
Linking into local economy and farming groups, this action group maps local business, alliances and projects and connects these as a network. Combining market forces to ensure leadership and oversight across the county.
Action Group Lead: Tom Beeston (Chiltern Society)
Food For All
Food access and equality are high on the priorities for many of us, and in Bucks we also want to see how we can work together to reduce food poverty and increase access to healthy and sustainable food. Bridging the gap between the Local Authority and the voluntary charity sector we are working in collaboration to identify better support, joined up services and equality.
Action Group Lead: Gill Harding (Buckinghamshire Council)
To join Buckinghamshire Wide Food Access and Operations Action Group which focuses on 5 key areas that include:
- Food donations/supplies
- Referral processes and systems
- Current Issues (e.g. recent fuel shortages)
- Funding needs
- School holiday provision for families
Please contact Hannah.Tomlin@buckinghamshire.gov.uk- Lead Food Coordinator for Buckinghamshire Council Community Support Team for more information or to attend the meetings.
Food and Climate Connection
Food and Climate Connection is our action group bringing together climate action and zero carbon groups across the county through the lens of food, food waste and food supply and production. A third of all food produced is wasted and draws on the environment, contributes to the climate crisis and ultimately waste money. This group looks at ways we can take local action together, to make a bigger impact. We welcome anyone with a passion for the climate and environment with a focus on the connection with the food system.
Please read our Food & Climate Connection Paper, laying out the intentions of 2022 for this action group here
Action Group Leads: Becca Nutley (Feedback)/ Sam Free (BCAA)
Members: Feedback, Sustainable Amersham, Zero Carbon Haddenham, Friends of the Earth Wycombe, Climate Action Wendover, Khepera CIC, Seed1.
Community Food Growing Network
This group is for those working in the Community Food Growing sector. From community allotments, surplus projects through to gardens and schools. Focussed on combining expertise and experience; as well as creative ideas to get the people of Bucks growing their own food.
Centered on our ‘Growing Together – Community Food Growing Strategy’ compiled in 2021 to look at a range of areas of need, from planning to access to land and volunteers. The strategy is available to view and download here
Action Group Lead: Becca Nutley (Bucks FP)
Members: Grow Together Bucks CIC, Community Transform CIC, Womens Cultural Arena CIC, Grow To Give, Community Youth Ventures, Public Health, Country Trust.
Greenbloom Growers in Bovingdon, offer Bucks Food Partnership members 10% off all stock including reduced end of season lines. They stock a range of fruit trees, pollinators, bushes and plants and can order in bespoke items. They are keen to support Community Growing Projects and are willing to see what further offers they can make. (Please Note: The family run garden centre is closed on Wednesdays)
Please quote: BUCKSFOODPARTNERSHIP for your discount
Food Supply
This action group looks at local supply chains, producers and procurement; from hospitality to retail and catering. This group will be commencing in the second phase of action groups in 2022, following from the initial work of the Education group and work looking into hospital and care home research.
Action Group Lead: Tejal Lovelock (NHS)
Education
School food is vital for health, wellbeing and the planet. This action group is conducting work around school food policy from school meals, food waste and growing. Made up of organisations that work directly in schools and the education establishments in Buckinghamshire. We are currently looking for keen schools to be involved in school pilots to look at their School Food Policy over the next year 2020-2021.
Action Group Lead: Tejal Lovelock (NHS)
Members: Bucks Healthcare NHS Trust, Public Health, Feedback, Empower To Cook & Country Trust
Food Citizenship is another theme that is central to our work, and this runs through all our action groups as part of our ethos.