People across the Marches – Monmouthshire, Herefordshire, Powys and Shropshire – are being invited to help shape a stronger, greener and more resilient local food system through a major new project backed by more than £1.4m in National Lottery funding.
Marches Food Systems for the Future has received £1,458,193.85 from the Climate Action Fund, a long-term commitment from The National Lottery Community Fund that supports communities across the UK to take action on climate change and engage more people in positive environmental action.
The project is led by Marches Food Partnership, a collaboration between Monmouthshire Food Partnership, Bwyd Powys Food, Herefordshire Food Alliance and Shropshire Good Food Partnership, with Monmouthshire County Council acting as the lead accountable body.
Bringing together local people, farmers, food businesses and community organisations, the project will support practical, locally led action that strengthens food resilience, reduces carbon emissions and creates stronger connections between producers and consumers.
Over the coming years, communities across the Marches will have opportunities to develop projects that reflect local priorities and needs. These could include community growing and cooking initiatives, composting and food waste reduction schemes, shared meals, farm visits and activities that help more people access and support locally produced food.
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said: “Food connects us all. This exciting project will put local people and farmers at the heart of shaping a stronger, fairer and more sustainable local food system. By working together across the Marches, we can turn local ideas into practical action, share what works and build lasting resilience for future generations.”
Cllr Sara Burch, Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Housing and Tourism, added: “Local people will be at the heart of this project. It will support the development of community clusters that bring together residents, farmers, food businesses and local organisations to explore local food needs and opportunities, identify shared priorities and develop practical projects in response.”
As the project develops, there will be opportunities for local people, farmers, producers, food businesses and organisations from across the Marches to get involved, share ideas and help shape local action.
To find out more about the Monmouthshire Food Partnership and how to get involved, visit foodmonmouthshire.co.uk
