A prestigious national award has been presented to the Devon Food Partnership in recognition of its work to promote healthy, sustainable and local food.
The Sustainable Food Places Silver Award recognises the collective efforts of businesses, farmers, community organisations, schools, local authorities and residents across Devon.
It recognises progress across the county to improve access to healthy food, support local producers and make food more sustainable, and marks a step up from the Bronze award won by the Partnership in 2023.
Since the launch of Devon’s Good Food Strategy 2023-2028, the Devon Food Partnership has continued working to make nutritious, locally produced food available and affordable for everyone.
Three working groups focus on food insecurity, food in schools and Devon’s local food economy, bringing together farmers, food businesses, community groups, academics and local authorities.
Their work ranges from improving school food and tackling food insecurity to supporting local producers and helping food and drink businesses become more sustainable and resilient.
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs and Broadband, said:
“This is fantastic news, and I want to congratulate everyone involved in the Devon Food Partnership on achieving this Silver Award!
“Devon has a fantastic food and farming sector of world-class quality that we are all so proud of. Supporting locally produced food brings so many benefits to our communities. It supports the local economy, reduces our carbon footprint, and contributes to the health and wellbeing of residents through the excellent food produced here in Devon.
“It is really encouraging to see the progress that has been made since the Partnership received its Bronze Award in 2023, from supporting local businesses and producers to improving access to healthy food and strengthening local supply chains.
“This award shows what can be achieved when organisations, businesses and communities work together across Devon. We look forward to building on this success and continuing our journey towards achieving Gold!”
Harry West, Chair of the Devon Food Partnership, said:
“The Devon Food Partnership initially formed in 2021 with a joint commitment to working towards a future in which healthy, local, sustainably produced food is available, accessible, and affordable for everyone in Devon.
“Five years on, this mission is even more important and this Sustainable Food Places Silver Award reflects the enormous progress that has been made.
“The award is testament to the hard work and passion of all members of the Partnership and wider Good Food Movement, and something that the whole county can take pride in. As the momentum behind the Devon Food Partnership continues to build, this moment is a chance to celebrate our successes and look ahead to our future.”
The Devon Food Partnership was established in 2021 and is hosted by Devon County Council. It brings together partners from across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
Sustainable Food Places is a programme run by partners including the Soil Association, Food Matters, and Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.