PRESS RELEASE

Date: 19^th October 2011

Photo op: Local food campaigners meet Caroline Lucas MP on College Green with Big Ben backdrop, 1.45pm, Wed 19 Oct, House of Commons

The Brighton & Hove Food Partnership and Food Matters have been called to Parliament today (Wednesday 19th Oct) to give evidence to MPs on an influential select committee about some of the city’s pioneering local food projects.

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion and Member of the Environmental Audit Committee, said:

"Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and Food Matters are doing some fantastic work in the city to tackle food poverty and promote a fairer, more sustainable food system - so I'm delighted that both organisations will have the opportunity to present their knowledge and ideas to the Committee this week.

"Brighton and Hove is clearly one city that is leading the way in addressing the social and environmental consequences of the way we produce, consume and dispose of our food.

“The Government must now learn from these local experiences and commit to a national food policy which is fit for purpose - one which harnesses the Coalition's much hyped localism agenda to ensure that good quality wholesome food is available and affordable for all, and which helps local, independent and organic food businesses to flourish."

Clare Devereux, Director, Food Matters said:

“Brighton and Hove is pioneering work to create a more sustainable food system in the city, and  by sharing our experiences with MPs we can support other cities to follow our lead and hopefully influence national policy in this area.”

Vic Borrill, Director, Brighton and Hove Food Partnership said:

“It’s an exciting time for local food in Brighton & Hove with many new community initiatives starting. That’s why we are proud to be the only UK city taking part in the next stage of the Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry on Sustainable Food.”

The Sustainable Food inquiry, led by Parliament’s Green Watchdog – the Environmental Audit Committee - which includes local MPs Caroline Lucas and Simon Kirby, is looking at how Government policy can be used to create a sustainable food system in the UK that reduces waste and encourages planet-friendly farming. The Committee has summoned the Food Partnership and Food Matters to Parliament to share its vast knowledge and experience and shine a light on how residents, groups and communities can work together to reduce food waste, eat more healthily and grow their own food in Brighton & Hove.

Vic Borrill (Director, BHFP) and Clare Devereux (Director, FM) will champion the myriad of locally based community projects, including the 'Harvest Brighton & Hove' food-growing programme, that establish the city as a leading example for food work.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Photos will be available from Wednesday afternoon. Please contact Elena on 07841096272 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership is a cross sector partnership working on food issues within the City of Brighton and Hove.  With over 750 members, drawn from residents and those working within the food system within the City, it aims to create a more sustainable food system and provide better access to healthy, local food for all residents.

Food Matters has a remit to work nationally and locally to provide food policy expertise to organisations and individuals wishing to make positive and sustainable change in our food system.

http://www.bhfood.org.uk/

http://www.harvest-bh.org.uk/