Food Cumberland Strategic Framework

Food and farming

The food system in Cumberland not only provides food for locals, but supports the livelihoods of a significant number of people too.  Supporting a sustainable food system in Cumberland is vital to ensure the continuation of production and distribution of healthy and nutritious food, whilst safeguarding the environment and supporting communities.  It is recognised that the majority of land in the area is only suitable for grazing, therefore a high proportion of the region’s output is meat.  However, a number of local farmers are diversifying and reintroducing fruit and vegetable production where conditions allow.

A food and farming sub-group will be established, bringing together producers and purchasers to enable food businesses to thrive across Cumberland.  Factors affecting the supply chain will be addressed with the aim of bringing food produced rurally to urban markets.  Partners will also support the expansion of Taste Cumbria events and other markets across the region, improving accessibility.  Education initiatives which focus on where food is produced will be supported.

Community food projects

People across Cumberland benefit from engagement in community food projects, including community cooking, affordable food projects, food shares, allotments, and gardens.  These projects have a positive impact on mental and physical wellbeing, and support the environment.  Locally produced food reduces carbon emissions and growing spaces enhance biodiversity, particularly in urban areas.  The community food sector requires further assistance to become financially sustainable, whilst ensuring that opportunities are available Cumberland-wide.  Therefore, the Partnership will work closely to support community wealth building and further support social enterprise.

A sub-group will support increasing third sector capacity for food growing, working with Council assets to produce sustainable and healthy food.  It will influence planning policies to ensure more growing spaces are available for residents in areas of greatest need and engage with green social prescribing models to expand food growing opportunities.  Development work will be undertaken to provide additional growing spaces in collaboration with Integrated Care Communities (ICCs), Primary Care Networks (PCNs), schools, social housing, and care homes, linking in with community groups.

The Collaborative Funding Pilot aims to create a fairer system which is more responsive to community needs, and for funders to better understand communities.  The pilot will simplify funding applications for organisations, whilst ensuring projects meet the needs of local people.  Funding for community food projects will be a key aspect of this grant pilot, and The Partnership will support the progression of this work.

Promoting good food culture within Cumberland Council

Internally, colleagues will work together to develop and promote an inclusive good food culture in the workplace.  This will be integrated into meetings, health and wellbeing activities, organisational development, and internal communications.  A communal food growing space will be made available at each office, tended by employee-led groups, thus promoting health and wellbeing.  Opportunities via Adult Learning will support this initiative for participants who wish to develop their knowledge.