There are plans to transform Torfaen into a Sustainable Food Place, as part of an initiative to support and encourage local food networks.
The Sustainable Food Place project aims to increase the availability of locally grown food in Torfaen, offer alternative ways of tackling food poverty and tackle carbon emissions by reducing food miles.
As part of the project, there are plans to create a food map and residents are being asked to help by completing a survey about what food they buy and from where.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said:
“Torfaen is already home to a number of local food producers and suppliers, and people can buy fresh, healthy food from a number of places, like the renowned Pontypool indoor and outdoor markets.
“This is an opportunity to understand what influences local residents when it comes to buying locally-produced food and what other opportunities they are keen to see.”
Separate surveys are also being carried out with businesses in the food industry and local community groups. For more information please contact nikki.williams@torfaen.gov.uk
The Sustainable Food Place network is a UK scheme led by the Soil Association, Food Matters and Sustain organisations and aims to connect food partnerships, share best practice on all aspects of healthy and sustainable food and drive innovation in the food sector.
The Sustainable Food Place project is funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, thanks to the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
Sustainable Food Places (previously Sustainable Food Cities) is one of the fastest-growing social movements today.
Our Network brings together pioneering food partnerships from towns, cities, boroughs, districts and counties across the UK that are driving innovation and best practice on all aspects of healthy and sustainable food.
Sustainable Food Places is a partnership programme led by the Soil Association, Food Matters and Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming. It is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Visit the Sustainable Food Places website.
