Cooperative Approaches to Sustainable Food

About the project

Executive Summary

In recent years, the focus on sustainable food systems has gained significant momentum, driven by the imperative to address food insecurity, promote healthy diets, and support resilient local economies. This collection of reports showcases cooperative efforts to transform food systems in various communities across the UK through innovative, resident-led approaches. Each report encapsulates unique projects that align with the principles of sustainability, community engagement, and cooperative values, offering valuable insights and practical solutions for wider application.

Report on Cooperative Approaches to Sustainable Food

The “Cooperative Approaches to Sustainable Food” report, prepared by the University of Salford, FoodSync, and Oldham Council, delves into the effectiveness of cooperative models in creating sustainable food systems. By leveraging the Sustainable Food Places ( SFP) framework and the Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network (CCIN) principles, this study explores a series of case studies that highlight best practices, innovative stakeholder engagement, and economic creativity. The report emphasises the potential for replication of these models and provides a critical analysis of the barriersand opportunities they present. It underscores the need for embracing cooperative to foster a just and sustainable food system that can be resilient against future challenges.

Final Report on the Community Fed Oldham: Oldham Food Security Challenge Prize

The Final Report on the “Community Fed Oldham: Oldham Food Security Challenge Prize” chronicles a one-year collaborative program aimed at addressing food insecurity in Oldham. Initiated by Stir to Action and Shared Assets in partnership with OldhamCouncil, this project focused on developing community-led food initiatives that provide affordable and culturally appropriate food options. The report outlines the coproduction themes, the approaches taken to build a resilient local food system, and the outcomes achieved. By documenting the successes and learnings from the project, this report serves as a comprehensive guide for other communities seeking to tackle food insecurity through cooperative efforts and community engagement.

Cooperative Approaches to Sustainable Food: Values and Principles

The “Cooperative Approaches to Sustainable Food: Values and Principles” emphasises the alignment of cooperative values with the development of sustainable food systems. It illustrates how adopting cooperative approaches not only maximises social value but also enhances the sustainability and impact of local food projects. The report encourages the broader application of these principles to foster more inclusive and effective food systems.

Together, these reports offer a comprehensive view of the transformative potential of cooperative approaches in building sustainable food systems. They provide actionable insights and evidence-based strategies for policymakers, community leaders, and practitioners dedicated to addressing food insecurity, enhancing public health, and fostering resilient local economies. The collective knowledge and experiences shared in these documents pave the way for more equitable and sustainable food systems for all.