Local Food Economy
Food Economy Access & Opportunity
Of the 21 in the Food Economy Access and Opportunity Action Plan:
- 3 have been completed
- 17 are currently in progress
- 1 have not yet started
The Working Group was renamed in 2025 from Infrastructure to Food Economy, Access and Opportunity, more clearly reflecting the group’s focus on accessibility, local business support and employment opportunities.
2025 saw significant achievements, particularly in supporting young people into skills training and employment. Programmes such as the Square Food Foundation’s How to Be a Chef, Food Leaders (led by The Children’s Kitchen, Square Food Foundation, 91 Ways, Travelling Kitchen and Coexist Community Kitchen), Food Talent Pathway, and the Youth Guarantee were highly active throughout the year, helping young people gain valuable skills and experience in food and hospitality. The Working Group has also continued to provide a strong space for training providers to connect and collaborate, sharing insights and addressing sector-wide challenges while supporting young people into employment.
Work also progressed in 2025 to strengthen public recognition of local and sustainable food businesses. A pilot “made or grown in Bristol” brand was market‑tested with Redcatch Community Garden and has so far attracted around 35 producers under the emerging Bristol Taste Makers initiative.
Procurement
Of the 28 actions in the Procurement Action Plan:
- 7 have been completed
- 19 are currently underway
- 2 have not yet started
A particular highlight in 2025 has been the University of Bristol’s Good Food and Eating Well events, which have helped raise awareness of sustainable food procurement and encouraged healthier, more sustainable food choices within large institutions. There has also been steady progress in developing dynamic procurement approaches across Bristol’s institutions, creating more flexible supply chains and opening up opportunities for local and sustainable food producers to access larger markets. The University of Bristol has adopted Equilibrium Market’s dynamic procurement software, enabling them to procure fish directly from Sole of Discretion, a collective of small‑scale fishers operating out of Plymouth Harbour.
Clear, practical guidance for farmers and food producers on how to supply to the public sector through relevant procurement frameworks, such as the Buying Better Food and Drink Framework, is also well underway, in collaboration with Better Food Traders. A new “Access to Public Sector” guide is in its final draft and is scheduled for publication in early spring 2026.
