Land, Food and Racial Justice: UK resources available for, and to support, Black and other People of Colour (BPOC).
The Directory
Discover a list of BPOC organisations and professionals in agriculture, food and farming across the UK.
The Sankofa Report
The Sankofa report by Jada Williams helps us to understand and acknowledge the legacy of British Colonial history on the UK food sector. ‘Sankofa ‘refers to a mythical bird from the Akan people of Ghana that symbolizes learning from the past to build a better future. The report is a useful REDI review tool.
“Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi”
It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.
Battir Women’s Cooperative
Fruit Works Co-operative is proudly twinned with Battir Co-operative Society based in Battir, in the occupied West Bank, in Palestine. Battir holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 2015 and the cooperative aim to create an income for the women of Battir by growing, processing and selling food. The women grow olives, herbs, oranges, aubergines, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables on a small scale using organic methods, and process these into oils, jams and pickles. Find out more.
Jumping Fences
A new collaboration between Land in Our Names, Ecological Land Cooperative and the Landworkers Alliance to identify and address the barriers to access to land for agro-ecological farming for Black people and people of colour (BPOC) in Britain.
Rootz into Food Growing (RiFG)
A project by The Ubele Initiative, Black Rootz and Land In Our Names aims to challenge and disrupt some of the structural inequalities that exist within the current UK food growing sector. The project aims to build a network of Black and Minoritised led growers pan-London who will receive relevant skills development and training opportunities enabling them to grow commercially.
Seeds, Stories & Solidarity
First issue of this magazine documenting stories of the people and places in our global food movement to help us feel more connected, including contributions from members of the global peasant confederation La Víe Campesina.
The Rural Racism Project Film
Produced by Feel Good Films, this short film follows the lives of three minoritised ethnic people living in rural England and features the testimonies of participants who generously shared their stories. The film brings to life key findings from The Rural Racism Project: Towards an Inclusive Countryside, exploring themes of racism, belonging and identity in rural spaces.
Leeds Caribbean and African Centre (LCAC)
The Leeds Caribbean and African Centre (LC&AC), founded in 1983 in Chapeltown, Leeds, stands as a proud community hub built on the legacy of the Caribbean and African pioneers who established it. Guided by values of inclusivity, collaboration, and community engagement, the Centre fosters social connection, cultural enrichment, and unity. This includes hosting the Afrikan Market (see food directory below for more information).
Some of the organisations, groups and projects local to Leeds and national ones, furthering BPOC land and food initiatives, and working with BPOC communities.
Angels of Freedom’s Cultural Kitchen initiative, aims to build bridges between communities and reduce isolation and loneliness among LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly asylum seekers and refugees who may face marginalisation. Find out More Local
Black Growth CIC – a market and first sliding scale community supported agriculture programme. You can donate to support their work. Find out more or donate
Culture Roots Collective – a hub for BPOC people in food and agriculture. They share stories and champion representation in the industry. Find out more
Give a Gift is one of several culturally diverse food hubs. Their model is person centred, centering dignity and respect. More about them here and on the Leeds Food Aid Map Local
Hamara – Hamara is the largest ethnic minority organisation in the voluntary and community sector in Leeds. Their Cultural Food Hub supports five main ethnic communities in the city of Leeds. Since its launch, the hub has registered 42 member organisations, including charities, community groups, and religious institutions. They also support our partners’ independent projects and actively collaborate where needed. In addition to standard food items such as rice, oil, tomatoes, and onions, we provide culturally appropriate foods: chickpeas and lentils for Southeast Asian communities,
plantains and gari for African communities. Find out More Local
Leeds Caribbean and African Centre (LCAC) – The Leeds Caribbean and African Centre (LC&AC), founded in 1983 in Chapeltown, Leeds, stands as a proud community hub built on the legacy of the Caribbean and African pioneers who established it. Guided by values of inclusivity, collaboration, and community engagement, the Centre fosters social connection, cultural enrichment, and unity—serving as a centre for the people, delivered by the people. Find out More Local
LION (Land in Our Names) – a grassroots collective of Black and People of Colour getting land through reparations. Their collective is based in London and works to reconnect Black and People of Colour to land, both in the city and the countryside. Their work addresses the inequalities in access to land and food and reimagines land – towards climate and racial justice. Find out more & support
The Ubele Initiative – an African diaspora led, infrastructure plus organisation, empowering Black and minoritised communities in the UK, to act as catalysts for social and economic change. Find out More
A selection of some of the amazing Good Food* BPOC Food Businesses based in Leeds. Let us know your favourite good food places and why – whether they are listed or not listed here! (*By ‘good food’ we mean fresh, healthy, authentic, seasonal, local, sustainable and culturally appropriate food.)
Abundance Foods Leeds – aka Marcia, natural, nourishing, plant-based treats fuelled by fabulousness. You can order from her website and stockists includes Fearns Leeds Dock and Leathley Farm Shop in Otley.
Abyssinia Cafe and Restaurant is a family-run Ethiopian restaurant located in Harehills, offering an authentic taste of East Africa through traditional dishes and cultural dining experiences, notably the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. It has earned consistent praise for both its food quality and welcoming atmosphere, with vegan, halal and gluten-free choices available.
Afrikan Market Leeds – celebrating African & Caribbean culture in Chapeltown, Leeds! Supporting Black-owned businesses. Providing an opportunity for Black Owned Businesses to build & provide in-person experiences.
AJ’s (Afro Caribbean Foods and Veg) – find AJ’s in Kirkgate Market, Row F where his fantastic business has resided for over 15 years – Location
Barrie Zee – ‘De real Ting’ back-a-yard brews inspired by recipes Barrie’s Auntie used to make with a splash of his own flair to give them that true taste of the Caribbean. Find Barrie’s products at many of the local farmers and artisan markets across Leeds as well as many local stockists. Find out more
Fusion Café – located in the Reginald Centre on Chapeltown road and part of the Black Health Initiative creating healthy food for the local community in Chapeltown. Find out more
Kalabash Caribbean Cuisine – serves up delicious, fresh and homemade food. Located 231-235 Chapeltown Road Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 3DX Find out more
Mahogany Market – creates events that showcase African and Caribbean culture and food, by fostering connections between the community at large and local independent Black businesses. It offers a diverse array of products and services, including food, spices and wellbeing products.
Manjit’s Kitchen – an award winning female-led vegetarian and vegan Punjabi Street food restaurant at Leeds Kirkgate Market. It serves high quality, tasty, fresh , healthy and flavourful food that is good value for money. More about their story here.
Maureen’s Caribbean Kitchen Leeds – authentic Caribbean home-cooking takeaway with an emphasis on fresh seasonal food, and one of the longest running and most beloved caribbean food businesses in Leeds. With over 20 years’ experience they provide a quality and consistent service that is excellent value for money! Location
Prashads – a family run vegetarian award winning Indian restaurant. They use fresh vegetarian produce and works with local producers for food supplies including Drighlington Orchard.
Seoulful Bites – a family run Korean street food cafe in Leeds Kirkgate Market, Unit 239 with an emphasis on UK sourced meat and fish. Find out more
Spice and Green – founded by Melanie Hadida feminist chef Spice Sommelier is a british brand inspired by Middle Eastern and Canadian flavours. All their spices are vegan, gluten-free and low salt. The Everything spice sprinkled on your food makes literally everything taste delicious. Buy them at local suppliers see their stockists list here
The Falafel Guys – delicious, healthy middle-eastern food primarily based out of their iconic bright red food truck on Briggate, sourcing ingredients from their kitchen at the Northern Market. Location
Wildcraft Bakery – baked goods many vegan and gluten free are available for you to buy and take home from their cafe in Meanwood. This is the brain-child of Muhaimina Allsopp a.k.a Mina , the proud owner and passionate baker behind this cosy haven for gluten-free delights.
Jumping Fences – a report about land, food and racial justice in British farming.
The Sankofa Report – a report by Jada Philips for Food Matters about British Colonialism and the Food System.
Rootz into Food Growing – a report sharing knowledge and experiences of Social Enterprise Food Growers from Black Communities of Colour.
Towards an Inclusive Countryside – The Rural Racism Project, watch the short film here. More about the project here
Real Food Media: Seeds, Stories & Solidarity – first issue (this has an accessible read button)
We need more Black Farmers: Agriculture is still the least ethnically diverse job sector in the country – an article about BPOC farmers on the changing face of the industry – written by Niellah Arboine
Black History Month Spotlight: Black and People of Colour (BPOC ) in Food and Agriculture projects to follow
Why it’s time to re-root Agroecology: an article from the Land Workers Alliance (LWA) by Yali Banton-Heath and cee-cee manrique (LWA Comms Team)
For a truly fair food system, BPOC farmers need to flourish As the agroecological movement increasingly prioritises care and justice, BPOC growers are owed additional support. Promoting the flourishing of BPOC farmers is essential for a truly just food system.
We feed the UK – Regenerative Conversation: Black-led Community Farming
Black faces, White Spaces: reimagining the Realtionship of African American to the great outdoors – by Carolyn Finney
Farming while Black – a practical guide to liberation on the land – by Leah Penniman
Black Food Matters by Hannah Garth
Black Food – Explores the interweaving of food, experience and community by Terry Bryant
Research and articles – Ashante M. Reese
The Source of Self Regard – Toni Morrison, arguably the most celebrated and revered writer of our time now gives us a new nonfiction collection–a rich gathering of her essays, speeches, and meditations on society and culture, spanning four decades.
Communities of Resistance – by A, Sivanandan
Black Equity Organisation – Future 100 Growth Fund
The Black Food Fund is an organisation shaped for and by Black people from Lambeth and Southwark. (This funding round currently closed, but may re-open at some point.) Black Food Fund
Esmee Fairburn – Our Nature World / Nature friendly Farming Grants – Financing the future of UK sustainable agriculture (read the article from Esmee Fairburn)
The Black Farmer Fund (US -New York based fund) – Building Community Wealth
Tridos Bank UK – finance/ support for agricultural initiatives that work with nature banking – and farming – should work with nature, not against it. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with innovative food and nature charity, the Soil Association
- Learning Hub – Your one-stop-shop to find articles, reports, resources, events and more to help educate, inform and inspire. Supporting Culture Roots Collective’s mission to centre and celebrate BPOC voices in the sector.
- Anti-racism in community food growing: Signposting Information on anti-racism and community food growing to highlight issues, spotlight good practice and inspire action.
- Resources-for-self-directed-
agroecological-learning Some excellent articles, podcasts and other resources from the Landworkers Alliance. - Resource Pack for BPOC Growers from Land in Our Names (LION) © All rights reserved.
- SFP – Representation and Justice Sustainable Food and Places policy around Representation and Justice in the food and agricultural sector.
- Just-Fact_
Evaluation Food-and-Land-Justice- Resource Community Food Growers Network (CFGN) is an informal network of people involved in community food growing in London. We share ideas, information and skills around the importance of growing food in the city, and campaign on issues important to us as food growers rooted in our local communities. - Black people and people of colour ( BPOC) Grower’s Retreats from the Landworkers Alliance
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A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other: Stories of Indigenous Food Sovereignty – Podcast from the Northwest Coast, is a book by Charlotte Cote about resilience, healing, and sustenance through revitalising Indigenous food systems.
- RE:TENSION – A film by Leeds-based director and writer Ricardo Baker (Leeds) – Available free or a time limited period. Re:Tension has reached thousands of students and staff, and its training toolkit has been delivered at universities including UCL, Durham, Falmouth, Liverpool John Moores, Leeds Beckett, Edinburgh and many others.
- Afri-Kindness: resources for parents Feeling connected to community gives children a deep sense of belonging, and to view themselves as an important part of a larger network of people.
- The Food Journey – The Food Journey © Community Centred Knowledge is an immersive and multisensory experience. It guides participants through a visceral exploration of histories and cultures using a sensory narrative, which speaks to various kinds of agricultural products and their movements.