West Northamptonshire awarded Bronze Sustainable Food Places status

West Northamptonshire has been awarded the prestigious Bronze Sustainable Food Places Award, recognising the area's commitment to creating a healthier, fairer and more sustainable local food system.

The award has been achieved through the work of the West Northants Sustainable Food Network, a partnership of organisations from across the public, voluntary, health, education and business sectors working together to improve access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. 

Sustainable Food Places is a national programme that celebrates communities taking a joined-up approach to food, recognising efforts to tackle food insecurity, improve health and wellbeing, support local food businesses and address environmental challenges. 

The Bronze Award acknowledges the significant progress made across West Northamptonshire in recent years, including engaging residents through community food conversations, supporting local food growing initiatives, strengthening partnerships and promoting healthier and more sustainable food choices. 

Councillor Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health West Northamptonshire Council, said: "We're delighted that West Northamptonshire has been recognised with a Bronze Sustainable Food Places Award. This achievement reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of organisations, community groups and residents who have worked together to improve the way food supports the health, wellbeing and resilience of our communities. 

"Food plays an important role in all our lives, from supporting good health and tackling inequalities to strengthening local communities and businesses. By working together through the West Northants Sustainable Food Network, we are helping to ensure everyone has access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food while supporting local producers and reducing food waste. 

"This award is an important milestone and provides a strong foundation for us to build on as we continue working with partners to create a healthier and more sustainable future for West Northamptonshire." 

  Joanne Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer of Northampton Hope Centre added: “HOPE is proud to be commissioned by Public Health to run the West Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network project. Working alongside Network members and partners, we are delighted with what has been achieved and particularly proud to have helped the Network secure this award. The achievement reflects the strength of partnership working and our shared commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient food system across West Northamptonshire.” 

Nicola Toms, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) said: “This Sustainable Food Places Bronze Award belongs to everyone who has helped build a better local food system across West Northamptonshire. From farms, to schools, businesses to community groups and volunteers. Together we’ve strengthened local connections and encouraged positive change. It’s a fantastic recognition of what we can do when we work together.” 

The award recognises a wide range of activity taking place across the area, including: 

• Bringing together partners through the West Northants Sustainable Food Network to drive positive change across the local food system. 
• Engaging residents and organisations through local food conversations and events to help shape priorities. 
• Supporting community food projects that improve access to healthy and affordable food. 
• Delivering food growing, cooking and skills programmes that encourage healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. 
• Developing stronger links between local food producers, education settings, healthcare organisations and community groups. 
• Promoting action to tackle food poverty, reduce food waste and strengthen local food resilience. 

The recognition comes at a time when communities across the country continue to face challenges linked to the cost of living, food insecurity and the impact of climate change on food systems. 

The achievement marks an important step forward in West Northamptonshire's ambition to create a food system that is good for people, communities and the environment. 

Residents are invited to join the West Northants Sustainable Food Network, make a pledge and become part of a growing movement working towards a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food future for everyone. Visit https://goodfoodwnorthants.org/