Eastbourne Food Partnership brings together organisations and individuals committed to creating more sustainable, fair and inclusive food systems
Our story
Eastbourne Food Partnership was established as a grassroots community organisation in 2019, emerging from the Eastbourne’s EcoAction Network. The COVID19 pandemic shed light on the cracks in the food system, placing school meals, foodbanks and supply chains firmly on the agenda. Our mission to make a local food system that works for our communities and our planet seemed more important than ever, and more and more organisations were asking the same questions as us. Our Good Food movement was gaining momentum.
In October 2021, Eastbourne Food Partnership became an independent CIC. We were also welcomed into national networks Sustainable Food Places and Feeding Britain, joining the national movement to make nutritious and sustainably produced food accessible to everyone.
Today, as the ‘Cost of Living’ crisis brings more and more people into food insecurity, Eastbourne Food Partnership continues to campaign for long-term systemic change. We know that together we can achieve so much more, and create positive change for good.
how we work
We are run inclusively, directed by a cross-sector steering group, encouraging everyone to share their voice and agency within the network to effect positive change.
As an umbrella organisation, the CIC provides structured opportunities for the food support organisations (eg foodbank, community fridges, homeless support etc), food growing organisations (eg community allotments, forest gardens, schools), food producers and retailers, academics and relevant local authority members to connect, collaborate and progress activity.
We offer a strategic structure for potential network-wide projects (such as a surplus food distribution network, social supermarket/s, education and training, community events, community composting schemes, support for schools etc) under a unified action plan.
We link in with wider expertise and resources across the food system and share relevant data and support across the network. We also offer a unified visual platform for the network, amplifying individual voices to more effectively call for policy change and to support wider campaigns. We can collaborate on town-wide data collection and create more effective action by working together.
Our VISION
We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy good food and participate in a diverse, equitable and sustainable local food culture.
What do we mean by Good Food?
Good for our communities
Bringing people together through the joy of growing, cooking and eating Good Food
Good for our health
Supporting people to access a nutritious and diverse diet and the time, resources and skills to nourish themselves and their families.
good for the planet
Championing practices from farm to fork that care for nature by promoting biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimising food waste
Our Action Plan was developed collaboratively by our steering group with input from our community partners. A more detailed breakdown of actions is available on request.
Our funders
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
what's the difference between A FOODBANK and the food partnership?
Eastbourne Food Partnership and Eastbourne Foodbank have a shared goal to eradicate hunger in our communities. Eastbourne Foodbank provide three days emergency food, as well as a range of support services to people with a referral voucher. The Foodbank also joins with the national network of Trussell Trust foodbanks to campaign to put an end to poverty and the need for foodbanks. See their website for more info.
Whilst eradicating poverty is a key to Eastbourne Food Partnership’s agenda, we work to build food security on a wider level, from more resilient local supply chains to developing food skills and resources in the community. We also work to build communities and connections through food, creating a joyful and vibrant food culture in Eastbourne.
WHERE CAN I ACCESS FOOD SUPPORT?
Check out our dedicated Community Food Support page for a list of different organisations offering food support in Eastbourne.
WHAT IF I WANT TO SET UP A NEW FOOD PROJECT?
Get in touch with our team via the form below to talk through your project, discover useful contacts and advice as you move forwards.
You can also check out our resources page.