Lewisham has been recognised for its leadership in tackling food inequality, with initiatives like the Food Justice Action Plan and Good Food Lewisham driving positive change across the borough.
Lewisham has been heralded as a leader in the fight against food inequality, with recent recognition in the Good Food Local: London Report highlighting its progressive initiatives and unwavering commitment to improving food access for its residents. The report, coordinated by Sustain and supported by the Mayor of London, provides an in-depth look at the actions of councils working to make healthier, sustainable, and affordable food accessible to all. Lewisham has earned praise for its multifaceted approach, which addresses everything from food governance to community-based projects aimed at reducing food poverty.
In the fight to combat food inequality, Lewisham’s efforts stand out in several key areas. These include food governance and strategy, community food growing, sustainable food economy initiatives, food poverty alliances, and actions to increase Healthy Start uptake. The borough has also been acknowledged for its work during holiday periods to ensure children have access to nutritious meals, and for its efforts to embrace the borough’s ethnic and cultural diversity within its food policies.
One of the most significant recognitions came in the form of the Silver Sustainable Food Places Award, which Lewisham received in 2024. This prestigious award is a testament to the borough’s dedication to creating a sustainable and fair food system for its residents. Out of all the areas in the UK, Lewisham is one of only four that achieved the Silver Award, and it is among just three London boroughs to do so. This achievement has further reinforced the borough’s position as a leader in the movement to reduce food inequality.
Cllr Paul Bell, Lewisham’s Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, shared his pride in the borough’s efforts, saying, “Food is a basic human right, and I am so proud of the progress Lewisham has made in reducing food inequality. Our local food partnership, Good Food Lewisham, and Lewisham’s Food Justice Action Plan have been instrumental in driving this change, inspiring communities and setting an example to others.” He added, “However, we also recognise that there is still work to be done and won’t stop until every Lewisham resident has access to healthy, sustainable, and affordable food.”
Catherine Mbema, Lewisham Council’s Director of Public Health, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the borough’s approach to food justice. “Addressing food inequality is crucial for the overall health and wellbeing of our residents,” she said. “By ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, we are not only improving physical and mental health but also fostering a sense of community and resilience. Our commitment to food justice is just one of the many ways we are working with local partners to create a healthier and more inclusive borough for all.”
Lewisham’s food strategy benefits from a diverse and inclusive partnership. Good Food Lewisham brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including nutritionists, academics, foragers, food aid groups, and residents. This collaborative effort ensures that a broad spectrum of perspectives is considered when tackling food inequality. The steering group places a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), regularly collecting demographic data from event attendees to ensure that their initiatives are inclusive and reflective of the local community’s needs.
In 2023, Lewisham launched its Food Justice Action Plan, a comprehensive initiative aimed at tackling food insecurity across the borough. The plan has gained widespread recognition for its innovative approach and has led to tangible results. One notable outcome has been the awarding of nearly £90,000 in funding to support community food projects, which are helping to address food poverty at the grassroots level. Sustain has praised the plan as an example of good practice, noting that it sets a high standard for other boroughs to follow.
Lewisham’s focus on food justice is not just about ensuring access to food; it’s about promoting a more sustainable and equitable food system. Through initiatives like community food growing projects, the borough is helping to empower residents to take control of their food sources, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the food that sustains them.
The borough’s efforts also extend to tackling food poverty by supporting those who are most vulnerable. By working closely with local partners, Lewisham is ensuring that its residents—especially those facing financial hardship—have access to nutritious food. The council’s holiday activities and food programmes, which provide meals for children during school holidays, are just one example of how it is meeting the needs of families in the borough.
Lewisham’s recognition in the Good Food Local: London Report is a significant milestone in its ongoing journey to reduce food inequality. As the borough continues to innovate and collaborate, it sets an example for other areas to follow in creating a healthier, more inclusive food system. To learn more about Lewisham’s efforts and the initiatives underway, visit the council’s Food Justice webpage.
In conclusion, Lewisham’s leadership in tackling food inequality is not just about improving access to food, but about building a more sustainable, equitable food system that works for everyone in the community. With a strong commitment to food justice, Lewisham is paving the way for a future where healthy, sustainable, and affordable food is accessible to all its residents.
