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This growing movement announced 16 areas have achieved SFP’s evidence-based accreditation, the only scheme of its kind globally, recognising local efforts to transform food systems for the better. 

To earn bronze, a member must demonstrate an active and inclusive cross-sector partnership that connects work across health, food access, business, procurement and the environment.

South Tyneside has raised the quality of school meals through national accreditation. Several primary schools have joined the Food for Life programme, and the local catering service achieved the ProVeg Silver Award for its new school menu, one of only two silver awards nationally in 2024. The menu reflects a commitment to nutritious, child-friendly meals that reduce carbon impact while meeting government standards. 

To achieve silver, places go further, showing lasting, system-wide change underpinned by meaningful local policy and a citizen-led Good Food Movement.

Birmingham Food System Partnership helped launch the Full of Beans campaign to boost the supply, demand and consumption of beans and pulses. Working with citizens and the British Dietetic Association, they collected 250 tasty and nutritious recipes celebrating Birmingham’s diversity, making them freely available to communities and organisations across the city. 

Leon Ballin, programme manager for Sustainable Food Places, said: “Transforming food systems across such a diverse range of UK communities is a remarkable achievement. Bronze and silver Sustainable Food Places awards are never won overnight, they reflect years of consistent, collaborative effort and the commitment of many partners in each place.

“Every member and award holder in the SFP network should be proud of the role they play in reshaping our food culture for the better. As this movement continues to deliver lasting change, we urge the UK Government to recognise the wide-ranging benefits for health, farming and food resilience, and to follow the Welsh Government’s example by funding this vital work.”