Fresh dough for sustainable food: new grant scheme for London sustainable food events

A new fund to promote sustainable food events in London was launched today by the London Development Agency and London Food Link.

The £70,000 small grant scheme will provide an essential boost for organisations in London, to help them increase public awareness of sustainable food. The fund will help deliver the Mayor's Food Strategy Implementation Plan, published in September 2007, which aims to create a world class, sustainable, food system for Londoners right along the food chain from production to retail.

Grants from £500 to £5000 will be available for a wide range of sustainable food events from helping restaurateurs to buy local organic produce to showcasing sustainable food at community events.

Jenny Jones, Chair of London Food, believes the Sustainable Food Events programme couldn't have come at a better time: "People are increasingly concerned about issues surrounding the environmental and social effects of food and are ready to do something about it. The grants will encourage businesses and consumers to buy fresher, healthier and more affordable food while reducing the environmental impact of London's current food supply".

Ben Reynolds of London Food Link added: "This is a great opportunity for London's community groups and small food businesses to put on events that really connect local people with where their food comes from, how it is grown and the personalities that work to make it fresh and affordable."

Businesses that don't become sustainable in their food choices run the risk of losing customers as sustainability becomes a more important issue for consumers.

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More information on the LDA small grants for sustainable food for London

Contact:
For further information contact author Charlie Willsmore on 0203 5596 777 or 07890 030 238 or email Charlie@sustainweb.org

Notes to editors:

1. There is no legal definition of 'sustainable food,' although some aspects, such as the terms 'organic' or 'Fairtrade', are clearly defined.  London Food Link's working definition is that sustainable food should be produced, processed and traded in ways that:

a. Contribute to thriving local economies and sustainable livelihoods – both in the UK and, in the case of imported products, in producer countries;
b. Protect the diversity of both plants and animals (and the welfare of farmed and wild species), and avoid damaging natural resources and contributing to climate change;
c. Provide social benefits, such as good quality food, safe and healthy products, and educational opportunities.

2. Examples of events already proposed by London Food Link members, which may be eligible for funding, include:

• Visit to a farmer or grower to introduce restaurateurs to a local producer
  
• Hold a food event showcasing food manufacturers in a London market who buy organic local produce and greengrocers who promote food-related public health
  
• Introduce a 'sustainable food zone' at a major community event

3. London Food Link (LFL) is part of the charity 'Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming'. LFL and its members are specialists in making sustainable food more available in the capital. More details of their work and how to join can be found at http://www.londonfoodlink.org/

Sustain advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, promote equity and enrich society and culture.
94 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF
Tel: 0203 5596 777   Email: sustain@sustainweb.org

4. Download the Mayor's Food Strategy Implementation Plan from http://www.lda.gov.uk/upload/pdf/Food_Strategy_Implentation_Plan_September_2007.pdf

5. Logos, photos and other images can be provided on request.