Food partnerships may take different forms from place to place, but they share the same goal: creating a space where councils, businesses, charities, farmers, and researchers can work together.

They’re not just talking shops—they take action. Whether that’s shaping local policy, running food education programmes, supporting sustainable farming, or tackling food insecurity, every effort works towards building a food system that is healthier, more sustainable and fairer for everyone.

No single organisation can transform a city’s food system.

Councils hold powers over planning and buying food (procurement) but rely on others to deliver change. Businesses influence supply chains but need public demand. Community organisations run vital food projects but depend on supportive policies and funding.

Here is where a food partnership comes in. A food partnership acts as the glue for bringing these diverse players together. It joins the dots to ensuring efforts align towards shared goals.

FoodWise Leeds is driving this change. With support from Leeds City Council, the University of Leeds and other organisations, our advisory group and sustainable food coordinator connect food initiatives across the city to build a healthier, more sustainable and fairer food system.

The partnership focuses on Sustainable Food Places’ 6-Key Issues:

• Food Governance & Strategy

• Building a Good Food Movement

• Healthy Food For All

• Sustainable Food Economy

• Catering and Procurement

• Food for the Planet

Together, these guide action on everything from reducing food waste to improving access to healthy meals. The Leeds’ Good Food Action Plan, updated in 2025, sets out clear steps for a more inclusive and sustainable food system.

Together, we can make Leeds a healthier, more sustainable and more equitable place to live.

The Sustainable Food Places Day of Celebration and Action took place on Wednesday November 5 2025. This was an occasion to convene in Parliament to showcase and celebrate the important work of our network, strengthen our relationships with our MPs and step into our roles as experts on issues that matter the most to their constituents. The focus this year is Food Partnerships enable healthy, sustainable, and affordable food in your constituency. This year is a key moment in food and farming, including the development of a national Food Strategy that recognises the role of vibrant local food cultures

The UK-wide Sustainable Food Places network convenes 123 food partnerships who link up local authorities, community organisations, farmers, businesses and residents to roll out innovative projects improving access to healthy, sustainable food, strengthening supply chains and celebrating local food identity.

Click on the link to find out more.

Why it Matters

• It gives national visibility to local food action, elevating grassroots solutions into parliamentary and policy discussions.
• It builds stronger collaboration between local partners and MPs, which can influence policy and secure funding or legislative support.
• It reinforces the idea that transforming food systems is not just an agricultural/farming matter but spans public health, community development, environment and local economy.

Together, we can make Leeds a healthier, more sustainable and more equitable place to live.