Building access through local retail

Even if climate and nature friendly food was more affordable, if there were no grocers or retailers selling this fruit and veg, we still wouldn’t achieve our mission. This is where food access becomes an intersection between affordability and availability. We need diversity and choice for consumers.

Sustain is creating a Growth Plan for Local Food within the retail sector. It aims to secure a minimum of 10% grocery retail market share for local food by 2030. To take this further Bridging the Gap’s pilots with local retailers are demonstrating ways that climate and nature friendly food can be made affordable and available where people live.

We’re making the case for local food retail that feels relevant to people from all walks of life.  We want local retailers to be seen as the hub of their communities, a place of meaningful work and a system that circulates wealth locally. The case for shorter supply chains via food hubs and ethical wholesalers must go alongside a thriving local food economy that offers people from all incomes a planet-friendly food offer.

Pilots

• Bridging the Gap launches first pilot project in Tower Hamlets

Events

Updates

• Celebrating Alexandra Rose Charity's Food Innovation Award
• European trials seek to rebalance food costs at either end of the supply chain
• Bridging the Gap: A snapshot of inspiring Northern Irish food initiatives
• Local food benefits go far beyond food miles