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 – are aware of the importance of good food to quality of life, and how we all need to work together to improve the food environment.
Good Food for All
Dignified food aid is available to people who most need it, and we’ve built community capacity for food projects that support food security and resilience, such as shared growing, cooking and eating projects, and community food enterprises.
Good Food Enterprise
A thriving network of diverse food businesses – including early-stage 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 pathways to good food jobs in the food sector.
Good Food for People and Planet
Food waste in the borough has reduced, and access to local produce and more nourishing food in schools and on our high streets has increased.
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.