From plans to progress: Bristol Good Food 2030 in Action – 2024 report 

In 2024, gardens bloomed, kitchens bustled and ideas turned into action across Bristol – all part of a growing citywide movement to make good food the norm for everyone. 

The newly published Bristol Good Food 2030 Progress Report 2024 looks back at what partners across the city achieved together against the five 2023-24 Action Plans – each linked to the themes: 

• Eating Better 

• Food Waste 

• Urban Growing 

• Local Food Economy:  

• Infrastructure 

• Procurement

Bristol Good Food 2030 is a shared citywide effort, coordinated by Bristol Food Network and driven by the energy, expertise and commitment of partners from across community organisations, businesses, public services, education, and the voluntary sector. 

A year of achievement 

Despite financial pressures and limited capacity for some partners, over half of planned actions were completed in 2024 – with particularly strong progress in Procurement, Infrastructure and Eating Better themes. 

Some standout results from the year include: 

• Bristol Eating Better Award (BEBA) expansion – new early years settings achieved accreditation, and alongside this, a new Hospitality Guide was launched to help hospitality businesses reduce waste, improve sourcing and cut packaging, and to signpost to initiatives like BEBA 

• University of Bristol climate leadership – exceeded their food carbon footprint reduction target by nearly double, increased climate-friendly menu options, and boosted local procurement to 63% 

• Food Waste action – household food waste collections now reach 99% of purpose-built flats, while surplus redistribution was boosted through national retailer partnerships 

• Support for growers and local businesses – new apprenticeships, start-up spaces at St Nicholas Market and Bristol City Council’s adoption of the Food Growing & Allotments Strategy 

A shared effort 

The Progress Report is more than a set of figures – it’s a celebration of the creativity, commitment and collaboration of people and organisations across Bristol’s food system. From neighbourhood gardens to large institutions, partners have taken practical steps that benefit communities, nature and the local economy. 

“This report shows the power of collaboration – and the reality that systems change is a long-term effort. Important strides have been made, but there’s still plenty to do to make sure everyone in Bristol can grow, access and enjoy good food.” 

– Alice Peperell, Bristol Good Food 2030 Partnership Manager 

Special thanks go to Phoebe Tennant, a UWE student on placement with Bristol Food Network. Phoebe gathered much of the data from partners and developed the case studies that bring these achievements to life. 

Learning and looking ahead 

While there is much to celebrate, the report also highlights areas where progress was slower – particularly in Food Waste reduction and Urban Growing – and where renewed focus is needed. These insights are already shaping the 2025-27 Action Plans, ensuring the next phase builds on what works and tackles gaps head-on. 

Read, share and join in 

Read the 2024 Progress Report

If you grow, cook, sell, share or simply love good food in Bristol – there’s a place for you in this movement.

Join a Working Group, share your good food story, or help deliver the next phase of actions: hello@bristolfoodnetwork.org 

Bristol Good Food 2030 belongs to everyone working towards a better food future for the city – and this progress shows what’s possible by acting together.