Author: Zoe Parker

500 Food Actions for a Slice of Silver 

By Zoe Parker

Published 18th July 2024

As FoodWise Leeds, we work with people from across the city to deliver the Leeds Food Strategy. In 2019, Leeds was awarded a Bronze Award from Sustainable Food Places (SFP). More about these awards here. Our aim is for Leeds to achieve the Silver Award and eventually the Gold. 

But we can’t do it without you.

The next step in achieving these aims, is to reach our target of 500 Individual Good Food Actions.

Will you help us do that?

By telling us about the good food actions you are taking, we can know the impact we are making collectively as a city. Whether you are reducing food waste, eating healthier food or learning how to grow your own veg, every action matters. 

And we want to know about your actions.

Every Action Counts and gets us one step closer to our goal.

As an example of how simple it is to get started, I thought I’d share my own food story. 

I stumbled upon FoodWise Leeds about a year back during an event at Leftbank Leeds. At the time, I was intrigued and perhaps a little daunted by the idea of growing my own veggies, and so I decided to attend a workshop organized by Feed Leeds. At that point, I had just about been able to keep all my indoor plants alive for a whole year (and I was pretty excited about that!)

 The workshop turned out to be a game-changer for me. I was really inspired by Feed Leeds. It was such a large network of growers across the city and they introduced to us some brilliant ideas: like ‘Little Veg Libraries’ and #SowaRowXtra – simple schemes that I thought had the potential to really help new growers like me get growing. I left that session with two free tomato plants and enough growing ‘know how’ to get me started. And that was just the beginning of my food journey.

Now I grow my own salad veg, and herbs, as well as climbing roses that the bees absolutely adore. This all grows in pots and old tyres in what was an ugly unused area in a communal concrete yard. A real transformation with very little effort – now the space is peaceful, pretty and a nice place to sit and watch nature.

I‘ve taken many more actions since that first tomato plant: like eating more fresh and locally sourced veg, wasting less food by using it up in home-made soups; and switching to locally made compost. I’m now beginning my own bokashi composting system and am considering community composting to turn my food waste into nutrient-rich soil for the local area. I could never have predicted a year ago where one free workshop would lead.

You can help us reach our target of 500 by telling us about the actions you are taking and encouraging others to take action. We’d also love for any organisations or food businesses to join us in taking action too! For more examples of what we’re looking for, take a look at our Take Action pages for individuals, organisations and food businesses.

Together we can create a healthy, sustainable and fairer food system for everyone in Leeds.

New Chair of the FoodWise Advisory Group

By Zoe Parker

Published 4th July 2024

We are absolutely delighted to introduce our new Advisory Group Chair, Juli Thompson. With her extensive background as a seasoned Chief Executive Officer at Inn Churches in Bradford and lead for the Food Savers Network, she is poised to bring a wealth of knowledge and a unique outlook to propel us towards success.

“I am thrilled and honoured to step into the role of chair for FoodWise Leeds. Our city has made remarkable strides in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system, as evidenced by our bronze award from Sustainable Food Places in 2019. However, I believe we have only scratched the surface of our potential.

As chair, I am excited to build on our strong foundation and lead our diverse coalition of partners towards our silver and even gold award goals. I’m particularly passionate about advancing our six focus areas outlined in the Leeds Food Action Plan. From improving food governance to promoting planet-friendly food choices, each aspect of our mission is crucial in transforming Leeds into a model food city.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together people from all walks of life – from local businesses and government officials to community organisations and individual citizens – in our shared vision of a healthy, sustainable, and fair food system for everyone in Leeds. Together, we can cultivate a thriving food culture that nourishes our community, supports our local economy, and protects our environment.

I look forward to championing FoodWise Leeds’ initiatives, inspiring more individuals and organizations to become FoodWise, and showcasing our city’s innovative approach to food sustainability on a national and global stage. Let’s make Leeds a shining example of what a truly food-wise city can achieve!” I like our chances.

Juli chairing our Advisory Group meeting at Rethink Leeds

Community Composting in Horsforth

By Zoe Parker

Published 1st July 2024

Want to know more about Community Composting?

We are offering FREE training 11 July at 7pm at St Margarets Church in Horsforth for community composters at Drury Field, the latest Compost Collective being set up in Horsforth.

DATE: THURS 11 JULY 2024

TIME: 7pm – 8.30pm

Why Join?

Did you know 200 kilos of food waste is produced by the average Leeds household each year and that about 40% of that is suitable for composting?

If you join our community compost collective you will:

  • Learn new skills, get a free caddy, receive free compost 
  • Learn composting basics, share knowledge, get support.
  • Divert your food waste from RERF (Leeds Recycling & Energy Recovery Facility)and be taking positive climate action.

WANT MORE INFO?

Find out about Inspirations Nursery who have set up a ‘Community Composting’ site already in Horsforth to inspire children about the importance of composting. Read more: here

Not in Horsforth but want to get involved in composting? We have 6 other collectives across the city. Find out more about Compost Collective Leeds: here

Drury Field is part of Horsforth Compost Collective and Horsforth Climate Action Hub. Find out more about your local climate action hub: here

drury field in horsforth four people and a pran by aroad in residential street

GET IN TOUCH

Email: Annie.Whitehead@zestleeds.org.uk or if you prefer give Annie a call on 07713 647770

Google Maps Link

You can also locate the site on the app what3words: menu.branch.bless

Feel free to download the poster to share.

Join us and eat ‘Just One More’

By Zoe Parker

Published 17th June 2024

Just One More is a local campaign to encourage people across Leeds to eat ‘Just One More’ portion of vegetables every day. It has been running successfully for the past 3 years and will be back in 2025.

Why is it needed?

Almost half of the adults in Leeds eat fewer than five portions of fruit or vegetables per day. When good food is hard to afford and access, our health and wellbeing suffers. By encouraging more people in Leeds to eat a healthy, nutritious diet that aligns with the NHS recommended EatWell guidelines, we can help improve their health and wellbeing. And because diets that are good for us tend to be better for the planet too, doing so will accelerate our journey to become a net zero city.

Why eat more veg?

Studies have shown that increasing vegetable consumption can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health and immune function. More veggies in your diet has also been linked to improved mood and performance at work and in study as well as improved weight management. 

Choosing locally sourced and organic vegetables also has a positive impact on the environment with plant-based foods having lower carbon emissions, reduced emissions to transport goods, as well as supporting the local economy.

3 images beans and lentils nutrient ricj cheap and good for the planet a man with veg behind 3 ppl growing food in a community garden

A Thank You

Thanks to all of you who have got involved already, sharing posters at work, taking part in activities and commenting. Below two of the top veg tips and comments shared on social media.

“Love baked beans. They pack a mighty nutritional pinch for very little money. We surveyed yum pantry users a few months back about baked beans and they said the best brand by far was Bransons. ”

“Keep frozen vegetables on hand for quick additions to any dish & what about puree cooked vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes to create creamy base for soups without adding dairy or tomatoes, peppers, carrots & spinach into pasta sauces, curries, or gravies. #justonemore“

“Just canvassed the team and we’re loving chickpeas. They’re a great addition to soups stews salads sandwiches you name it & a great vegetarian protein source. And if you like chickpeas, you’re going to love roasted chickpeas…try it! Drizzle, roast, eat, repeat.”

Why not get involved in the campaign by running your own work Veg Bingo, share pics of what veg you are eating, or simply get involved in the conversation on social media.

Want to know more?

We have loads of brilliant resources on the our website under Just one More. Follow our Instagram and facebook for some brilliant vegtastic food reels: from pickled cabbage (Sauerkraut) to more masterful culinary delights packed full of veg. You can also check out recipes on our website.

Some further useful resources, campaigns and research articles below. Click each heading for further information.

Food Foundation / Peas Please – research and statistics about veg consumption and it’s impacts. Peas Please campaign did impactful work to improve veg consumption nationally.

Eat them to defeat them Eat Them To Defeat Them is the award-winning campaign from Veg Power and ITV that gets kids eating more veg. This website is packed full of fun, expert advice and useful resources to help schools, caterers and families to get their children eating more veg.

Leeds Food Strategy  The Leeds Food Strategy sets out our vision for the future of how we produce, consume, and dispose of food across Leeds. At the heart of this strategy is a vision for Leeds to have a vibrant food economy where everyone can access local, healthy, and affordable food that is produced in ways that improve our natural environment and embrace innovation. 

Healthy Start The Healthy Start scheme helps families on low incomes to buy fruit, vegetables and milk (with vouchers). In Leeds, we aim to ensure all families have access to healthy and affordable food.

Prashad Yorkshire’s only Michelin Bib Gourmand & 2 AA Rosette awarded restaurant. Gujarati & vegetarian menu. Convert a Carnivore is a recent campaign challenging meat eaters not to love a free meal of vegetarian Indian Cuisine

Get Growing Leeds

By Zoe Parker

Published 22nd April 2024

As part of our #GoodNewsStories, we wanted to share that Feed Leeds is launching #GetGrowingLeeds for 2024. Feed Leeds, is a sustainable food growing network dedicated to promoting sustainable food practices and has been hosting the #SowARowXtra campaign annually since 2021.

The campaign aims to inspire individuals with food growing skills to cultivate extra seedlings to share with others. These seedlings can be distributed among friends, neighbours, or through a network of Little Veg Libraries ( LVL), dropped off at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm or at Oakwood Market Garden.

Previously, in collaboration with Season Well, Feed Leeds organised workshops to assist those new to gardening or lacking access to growing spaces and resources. These workshops were well-received, with participants expressing enthusiasm and eagerness to begin their own growing projects. The initiative has not only fostered a sense of community and has helped individuals develop valuable skills in sustainable food production.

This year we wanted to grow the campaign by providing edible seedlings to more groups. We are doing this by linking up with existing community food growing events to provide seedlings, raise awareness of the importance of food growing and to celebrate the amazing community food growing projects across the city. 

Growing your own food has so many benefits. Firstly, it benefits your health. Growing your own vegetables not only provides you with fresh, organic produce, it also gives you more control over the growing process, ensuring that no harmful chemicals or pesticides are used. This results in healthier and more nutritious vegetables that are free from harmful residues. Additionally, gardening can be a great form of physical activity, helping you stay active and reduce stress levels. The act of tending to your garden can also improve mental well-being and provide a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, consuming freshly picked vegetables can lead to a higher intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for overall health. Overall, growing your own vegetables can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and improve your overall well-being.

It helps create a sense of connection with  the natural world around us. It offers opportunities for people to share skills and knowledge and to meet new people whilst becoming part of new growing communities. It helps us connect with the origins of food and increases access to affordable, healthy produce. Additionally, engaging in practical climate action through growing food can help us appreciate the value of food and reduce waste. By creating compost from food scraps, we can also contribute to good soil health. 

Join the movement, reap the benefits, share your skills and expertise and ‘Lets #GetGrowingLeeds!’

You can share this image and this article with your friends and communities who may be interested in getting involved. Get out for latest updates for this and other projects by subscribing to our newsletter or this website.

Film Screening: Six Inches of Soil

By Zoe Parker

Published 19th April 2024

FoodWise Leeds and Feed Leeds are collaborating to present a special screening of the documentary film “Six Inches of Soil” – a story of courage, vision and hope.

This film showcases the incredible journey of British farmers who have taken a stand against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food. Through their innovative practices, they are to healing the soil, benefitting our health and providing for local communities. The screening will be held at HEART on Friday, May 10, with doors opening at 6pm. The film will start at 6:30pm, followed by a panel discussion where attendees can engage with experts and discuss the important themes presented in the documentary and how we can do things differently here in Leeds. This is an opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture practices and be inspired by the positive impact farmers can have on our food system.

Six Inches of Soil follows three new farmers on the first year of their regenerative journey – Anna Jackson, a Lincolnshire 11th generation arable and sheep farmer; Adrienne Gordon, a Cambridgeshire small-scale vegetable farmer; and Ben Thomas, who rears pasture-fed beef cattle in Cornwall. As the trio strive to adopt regenerative practices and create viable businesses, they meet seasoned mentors who help them on their journey. They’re joined by other experts providing wisdom and solutions from a growing movement of people who are dedicated to changing the trajectory for food, farming and the planet. Find out more about this incredible film and dig deeper into it’s impact here.

Sonja Woodcock, FoodWise Leeds says:

“We are really excited to showing this film and engaging in conversation about how food is grown and produced in Britain. It is so important that we shift towards more regenerative, agroecological practices to ensure a more resilient food system. We look forward to welcoming you to watch this important film and engage in conversation about how we can do food and farming better here in Leeds and the surrounding area.”

Book Your Free Ticket – We are asking for a £9 donation on the door which you can pay via a QR Code using a card or you can bring cash. All profits will be split between the film makers and the charity Zest Leeds.

You can scan this QR code or click the link below to make your donation: https://apiv1.voilo.co.uk/r_Ukye7dsnv

Trailer for Six Inches of Soil





From Coops to Bulk Purchasing

By Zoe Parker

Published 4th April 2024

Good News story about new models for emergency provision. This article shared via Sustainable Food Places was written by Andrea Gibbons, and shared as part of our #GoodFoodStories series.

Seventy people from within and outside our network of existing Sustainable Food Places members recently joined us for a pop-up webinar entitled From Co-Ops to Bulk Purchasing: Models for Emergency Food Provision. It was inspired by the wealth of thoughts and responses to a simple question posed to the network email forum by their coordinator, and our very own Sonja Woodcock of FoodWise Leeds. Her question:

“I’m keen to know what areas have food buying co-ops in place to support food purchasing for food aid provision? I’m surprised at how much food is currently being bought in Leeds and am interested in how a food buying co-op might work. Any insights would be welcome. I’m particularly keen to know how small food aid providers could be included.”

A similar and parallel discussion was simultaneously being had within one of the Soil Association’s My Food Community programme cohorts, led by Hull Food Partnership coordinator Darren Squires. They therefore teamed up to create a joint panel discussion on this topic. 

Our session opened with thoughts on how and why coops and bulk purchasing are of value in supporting access to food through; consistency, quality, autonomy, control, empowerment, and cost control. The ensuing discussion touched upon, not only, food coops and the mechanisms of bulk-buying, but we also discussed; mobile food vans, the potential of social supermarkets, issues surrounding combining purchased and surplus foods, and how to tackle supply chain issues in urban and rural settings. 

Our speakers were:

  • Kelly Fritzsche – Co-op Food Project Manager for Plymouth on their experience, including the model and mechanics of Food Co-ops and the roles within them, and their many benefits.
  • Ian Smith – Food Plymouth Core Enabling Team and CIC on their journey as a food partnership working on food access and insecurity towards food co-ops and social supermarkets, and the multiple cooperative connections and partnerships emerging from this work
  • Anna Route, development officer for Hull Food Partnership talked about their work with the council to optimise the spending of the Household Support Fund by accessing the council’s dynamic procurement bulk purchasing account with Turner Price to buy food for distribution among their network of foodbanks and pantries
  • Robert Garland, Bassetlaw Food Bank on their mobile van community shop, which provides access to rural communities to affordable food cupboard staples, fresh produce, and a range of toiletries and cleaning products.

The audience also brought a large amount of expertise to enrich the discussion, they included insights from:

  • John Westwood of Baobab Bach; with their network of food pantries and mobile van in the Southern Welsh valleys
  • Mary Vickers, community food coordinator for North East Lincolnshire, on their transition from foodbank to food pantry.

This conversation will continue as WE with Sustainable Food Places work towards food justice and access for all in our communities.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4hHYEDQY_8&t=4s

Watch more here on Sustainable Food Places youtube channel.

In this webinar : three different models for sourcing food 1) Co-operatives, 2) group purchasing and 3) small-scale bulk purchasing. Find out what is involved when you move from receiving donations to making purchases. Chaired by Sonja Woodcock from FoodWise Leeds and Darren Squires from Hull Food Partnership, the panel will include: • Ian Smith: Food Plymouth • Kelly Fritzsche: Food Co-ops Plymouth • Robert Garland: Bassetlaw Food Bank • Anna Route: Hull Food Partnership

Feed Leeds Celebration

By Zoe Parker

Published 25th March 2024

Shared as part of our #GoodFoodStories series. Annual Feed Leeds Celebration took place on Monday 26 Feb at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm. And at the event, we heard from amazing food growing projects from all across Leeds and we shared a delicious and nutritious meal! We also announced the winners of the Feeds Leeds Food Growing Awards. People from across Leeds were invited to nominate their favourite local food growing champions and winners were announced at the celebratory event. We would like to thank all those who voted, everyone who has contributed to growing and the Feed Leeds Network and of course, we’d like to congratulate the winners. It is always so nice to recognise the people who make a difference in our community.

And the awards went to, (drumroll)…

outstanding community champion winner receiving their award

Best Local Business Supporting Local Sustainability and Resilience – Awarded to Meanwood Farm CSA

Best Community Composting Group – Awarded to Compost Collective Seacroft

Best Food Growing Initiative – Awarded to Cross Green Growing Together

Most Enthusiastic Young Gardeners – Awarded to Khadija Begum who volunteers with Kirkstall Farm CSA (KVUF) and Ellie Hopkins who volunteers with Incredible Edible Garforth

Outstanding Community Champion – Awarded to Bobby Lever from Incredible Edible Moortown

There is so much going on at FoodWise and within the Feed Leeds Community. You can check out more of what we do by browsing our website. Also find out more or join in through the Feed Leeds website and socials – Feedleeds on facebook and @Feed_Leeds on twitter ( X) and also their growers group Potting Shed (Feed Leeds) And a big thank you to Climate Action Leeds for generous support to the event to make the delicious food so affordable.

We Are Recruiting!

By Zoe Parker

Published 18th March 2024

we are hiring a new chair white lettering in orange background

FoodWise Leeds, the sustainable food partnership for Leeds, is seeking a new
Chair, to guide the partnership and to increase its influence and impact towards
creating a healthy, sustainable and fair food system for everyone in Leeds.
We are looking for someone with a passion for good food and ambition to make a
difference in Leeds.


FoodWise Leeds is recruiting a new Chair – could that be you?


We invite you to read the role description and contact
Sonja.woodcock@zestleeds.org.uk to ask any questions or to talk through the role in
more detail.


To apply please send your Expression of Interest as a covering letter and complete the skills analysis audit. We appreciate you may not have expertise in all areas.