Good Food Partnership
Barking & Dagenham is one of over 100 places nationwide taking collaborative action to improve the local food environment as part of the Sustainable Food Places network.
We have developed a food partnership to work together with businesses, schools, social sector organisations and residents to improve the food environment.
Anyone can join the Food Partnership
Join our mailing list for updates on Food Partnership events, projects and other opportunities to participate.
Good Food Plan
The Food Partnership has co-created a Good Food Plan, with actions to develop a healthy, sustainable and culturally diverse food system, across 5 priority areas.
Good Food Movement
People – including residents, young people, policy-makers and businesses – know that access to good food is essential for happy and healthy communities and places, and how they can participate in improving their food environment.
Good Food for All
All residents – particularly those most in need of support – can access healthy, culturally appropriate food, and communities develop their own approaches to increase the availability of good food in their neighbourhoods, including shared purchasing, growing, cooking and eating projects.
Good Food Enterprise
A thriving network of diverse food businesses – including established enterprises and budding food entrepreneurs – trade more of the fresh, sustainable, diverse and affordable food our community wants to see in our neighbourhoods and high streets, and at our events.
Good Food Education and Skills
Our young people and the local workforce can access innovative, inspiring skills and training in sustainable and diverse food, and routes to rewarding jobs in the food sector.
Good Food for People and Planet
Food waste in the borough has reduced, and more of the food bought and served across council services is climate and nature friendly, and produced and traded fairly.
Research
The Plan has been informed by research with over 500 residents, local businesses and enterprises, which was conducted by local cultural enterprise Company Drinks and food and farming charity Sustain in 2023 and launched in January 2024. The research showed a strong desire for the Council to do more to support access to fresh, healthy and sustainable food for all communities.