A network of representatives from organisations across Peterborough has won a bronze award for its efforts to promote sustainable, healthy, and local food.

The Peterborough Food Partnership was awarded the Sustainable Food Places accolade in recognition of its work in tackling some of the city's issues, including food poverty, diet-related ill-health, and the decline of independent food producers.

The Peterborough Food Partnership's long-term goal is to influence change and create a more sustainable, healthier, and inclusive food culture in the city.

Leon Ballin, programme manager for Sustainable Food Places, said: "Peterborough Food Partnership has shown just what can be achieved when creative and committed people work together to make healthy and sustainable food a defining characteristic of where they live.

"While there is still much to do and many challenges to overcome, Peterborough Food Partnership has helped to set a benchmark for the other 100+ members of the UK Sustainable Food Places Network to follow.

"They should be very proud of the work that they have been doing to transform our collective food culture and food system for the better."

The partnership is made up of a network of people from more than 100 organisations in the city.

Lauren Kendrick, chair of the Peterborough Food Partnership, said: "This is about action, not just words.

"Across the city and surrounding areas, we have an amazing array of residents, community groups, growers, and other food businesses.

"Together, we want to create a better, more inclusive food culture for our city that values local produce and independent businesses, reduces waste, and supports local, seasonal, and sustainable food production.

"By bringing together policymakers, businesses, and local communities, we can change policies, tackle food poverty, and promote healthy and sustainable food for all."

The group had to demonstrate key areas of collective research and action to achieve the Sustainable Food Places Bronze award.

The group's vision is to cooperate with the public, private, and third sectors to develop a sustainable, regenerative, and fair food system for Peterborough.

The Peterborough Food Partnership has conducted a series of focus groups with more than 300 residents across the area, followed by an online citizens' survey.

Between autumn 2023 and March 2024, the group's 'Growing Together: Exploring and Celebrating Food Systems' programme, featuring more than 60 free events, drew around 16,000 attendees.

Recommended Reading: Peterborough MP disappointed over Friday vote.

Ms Kendrick said: "This is a fantastic achievement for the city.

"Peterborough Food Partnership has worked hard to bring together different partners and carry out focus groups and citizen surveys, while the ‘Growing Together’ programme brought together thousands of citizens across the city to discuss food systems, plans for the future, and celebrate what is happening in the city.

"We’re delighted to have this work recognised with an award - it’s a fantastic achievement for Peterborough."

Food businesses are encouraged to fill in a survey to share their views on the future of food systems in the city.

Plans are also currently underway for the first Peterborough Food Summit that will gather stakeholders and residents, present the findings from the research conducted so far, and offer a platform for collaborative discussions on the next steps in developing the city’s first Food Strategy.