Transcript: Scaling out place-based, community-centred food initiatives

Transcript for the video embedded on the Urban Food Systems page.

[A title says: Scaling out place-based, community-centred food initiatives.]

[A caption says: Dr Effie Papargyropoulou, Associate Professor in Sustainable Food Networks.]

Effie: One in five people in the UK are food insecure, meaning they lack access to enough affordable and nutritious food. 

Food hubs is an umbrella term for community-based charitable organisations that distribute food to those in need, including: food banks, food pantries, community cafes and food growing schemes.

[Image of four people standing behind tables of fruit and vegetables. Image of a store room with shelves full of food in boxes and tins.]

Working with the Food Foundation ten food hubs across the UK, our research investigates the benefits of food hubs and how policymakers can better support their work.

We found that food hubs bring significant benefits to local communities and the food system. They improve people's access to affordable, healthy food, enhancing their physical and mental health.

[Image of a large group of people in an allotment, smiling and holding up certificates. Image of shelves and fridges of food, in front of a sign on a wall saying, ‘Well fed: eat well, spend less’. Image of two smiling adults, one holding a baby and one holding a large pumpkin. Image of bakery products in boxes.]

They help the environment by using food surplus to make meals and reduce waste. They strengthen local food systems by using produce from local farmers and encouraging people to grow their own food.

[Image of an allotment with lots of green plants growing. Image of a garden with raised planters.]

Therefore, we call for policy support at national, regional and local levels to help food hubs expand their impact, transition from emergency food provision to more holistic models, and promote community well-being, healthier diets, environmental sustainability and local economies.

[A caption shows logos for The Food Foundation, Foodwise Leeds, Leeds City Council and Policy Leeds. Text says: Find out more at www.leeds.ac.uk/policy-leeds.]