by Charlotte Steel (HGFP Chief Executive)
A new report from Sustainable Food Places highlights the important role that food partnerships play in bringing people together to create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system.
We are delighted that Highland Good Food Partnership (HGFP) is singled out in the report as an example of this work in action, with several initiatives highlighted as examples of how food partnerships can make a difference locally.
As the Regional Food Group for the Highlands, HGFP helps local food businesses build connections and reach new customers, including through a local food and drink trail with Visit Inverness Loch Ness and ‘Why I Buy Local’ short films.
Our FEAST toolkit helps local groups organise food festivals that celebrate local food and bring people together.
We also support community composting schemes, helping people explore ways to reduce food waste and return nutrients to the soil. Through learning exchanges with other partnerships, HGFP has helped share knowledge of regenerative food production; supporting more sustainable approaches to growing food.
The report makes a strong case for having a food partnership in every local authority area in Scotland, recognising the value of working together to tackle complex food system challenges. By connecting communities, producers, businesses and public bodies, partnerships help turn Scotland’s Good Food Nation ambitions into practical action.
Read the full report here.