An ambitious plan to transform access to healthy, affordable and local food has been launched in the Liverpool City Region, starting with the UK’s first regional food ecosystem survey.
Commissioned by Mayor Steve Rotheram in response to the cost-of-living crisis, the initiative aims to tackle food poverty and create a connected, sustainable food network that supports families, businesses and communities.
The survey will analyse the production, supply and sale of local produce, from growers and wholesalers to schools and hospitality providers. It marks the first step in building the LCR Food Network, a collaborative effort across the social, public and private sectors.
The survey will lead to the creation of an interactive digital map, helping stakeholders understand food flows, funding, and influence across the region.
A major report by the VS6 Partnership, representing 8,600 voluntary and community organisations, revealed that five of England’s ten most deprived food deserts – neighbourhoods with poor access to affordable, nutritious food – are in the Liverpool City Region.
The report, sustainable and affordable food for Liverpool city region, calls for:
- Coordinated action across food banks, pantries and community growers
- A fully developed LCR Food Network
- Policy influence to address the root causes of food insecurity
Cabinet Member for Health and Inequalities at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
“This initiative is a vital step towards building a healthier, fairer City Region. By understanding how food is grown, shared and accessed locally, we can begin to close the gaps that leave too many families struggling. It’s about creating a system where nutritious food is not a privilege, but a basic right – delivered in ways that support our communities and protect our environment.”
The charity Feeding Liverpool has been commissioned to lead the survey and map development. Their work will identify opportunities to strengthen the local food system and inform future policy.
If you’re involved in growing, making, moving, selling or supporting access to food in the Liverpool City Region, you’re invited to take part in the survey and help shape a fairer, greener food future.
Image credit: iStock
