Funding success for sustainable food in the NE
A partnership between the three North-East food partnerships (Middlesbrough, Durham and Newcastle) have been awarded funding from The Dixon Foundation to kick-start Dynamic Food Procurement.
The partnership, called NESFA (North-East Sustainable Food Alliance) are one of only four regions of the UK to be awarded funding to support the supply of sustainable local food to public institutions – through an approach called Dynamic Food Procurement.
Dynamic Food Procurement is a model that uses smart technology to enable SME producers to supply into large public institutions. Successfully trialled in the South-West with Bath and North-East Somerset Council, this approach can make a meaningfully positive difference for years to come.
NESFA will be supported by DPUK in developing short food supply chains to lower carbon emissions, boost the local economy and support smaller producers while bringing fresh seasonal produce to kitchens.
Dynamic Food Procurement was one of the recommendations of the National Food Strategy report, that cited the Bath and North-East Somerset pilot as the model.
The Food Strategy recommendations include an aspiration that 50% of public sector food should be agroecological (such as organic) produce and/or local, and that short food supply chains are ‘desirable’ to establish transparency.
NESFA are keen to hear from local institutions in the North-East who are interested in finding out more about Dynamic Food Procurement, and for them to be involved in conversations. Please email joe.dunne@menvcity.org.uk or contact your local food partnership.
NESFA are extremely grateful to the Dixon Foundation for the funding and for all the support provided by DPUK.
