Community Food Economies

Our food system is failing us, and it’s costing the earth.

While big corporations are raking in huge profits — we’re all paying the price. Climate chaos, collapsing ecosystems, and rising inequality are no accident. They are the result of a food system built to extract, not sustain.

Jobs in the food sector are often low-skilled, poorly paid and precarious. Long, wasteful and hidden supply chains harm communities and nature at home and overseas, drain local economies and undermine community resilience. The current model isn’t just inefficient, it’s harmful, and unfit to feed our future.

Polite fixes aren’t working. Tinkering around the edges won’t cut it.

That’s why we’re taking matters into our own hands to create a food system that values land, good livelihoods, and life — and puts communities back at the centre.

Photo credit - Caleb, Stories of Note

The good news: a different model is not only possible — it’s already taking root.

Across the country, we’re building Community Food Economies that are regional, resilient, and people-powered alternatives that shift power back into the hands of communities.

These models are built on:

Community wellbeing that values food as a connector, not a commodity;

Shorter, more transparent supply chains that strengthen trust between producers and consumers;

Good, meaningful jobs that invest skills, dignity and fair pay to create good livelihoods;

Direct relationships with farmers that support sustainable land stewardship;

The right to food that is nutritious, secure, accessible, culturally appropriate and provided with dignity.

Projects

Alchemic Kitchen

Sussex Surplus

Growing Knowsley's Future

Good Food, Jobs and Skills

Our impact

We’re proving a better food system is not just needed — it’s already within reach.

Sussex Surplus is creating meaningful employment for young people in East Brighton while turning surplus produce into nutritious, affordable meals — strengthening community food security and reducing waste.

Alchemic Kitchen in Merseyside brings fresh, affordable food directly to local communities with the Queen of Greens mobile grocer — while offering culinary skills training and pathways to employment.

Growing Knowsley’s Future uncovers the borough’s rich food heritage, connecting past and present to preserve local stories and inspire a healthier, more sustainable food future.
Good Food, Jobs and Skills in Buckinghamshire improves community health, wellbeing, and skills through food, nature, and hands-on learning.