“Each of our new members brings knowledge, passion and a track record of changing the food system. We are delighted that our growing membership reflects increasing momentum on sustainable diets and better meat production. We look forward to working with each of them and boosting relationships across the alliance to make the change we need to see.” - Sarah Wakefield, Executive Director, Eating Better
Below our new members introduce themselves and talk about why they have joined our alliance of over 60 civil society organisations.
Accelerating the transition to sustainable food systems
The mission of the Sustainable Food Trust is to accelerate the transition to sustainable food systems, inspired by our philosophy of the interconnectedness of the health of soil, plants, animals and people. Their vision is for future food and farming systems which nourish the health of people and planet and are equitable and accessible to all.
"We are delighted to be joining the Eating Better Alliance and look forward to working with others to build knowledge and awareness around what we should eat to be part of the nature, climate and health solution. In particular, we hope to build the evidence base on the critically important role of grazing animals in our food and farming systems and their role as part of diverse and healthy future diets”
Nourishing communities with food and conversation
Every week, thousands of volunteers across the country transform surplus food into nutritious, vegetarian meals for anyone that would like them, no questions asked. At a FoodCycle community meal you’ll see people from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together. From low-income families, the elderly, refugees and those that may be homeless. By bringing people together in this way, FoodCycle is tackling hunger, loneliness, improving mental wellbeing, strengthening community spirit as well as promoting sustainable diets.
Sophie Tebbetts, FoodCycle CEO said:
“FoodCycle community meals exist to ensure that people have access to healthy and nutritious food. Sadly, we live in a time where so many people can’t afford the basics and feel that opting for a healthier or more sustainable diet is unaffordable. We’re looking forward to joining the Eating Better alliance and working alongside so many brilliant organisations who share the same passion as we do for creating a fair and sustainable food environment.”
Supporting and promoting ethical food traders
Better Food Traders is a UK-wide network that supports and promotes ethical food traders who sell locally-grown planet-friendly produce. Helping to build a food system that supports local people, the environment, farming communities and local economies.
Better Food Traders said:
"We are really pleased to join Eating Better and our missions align in a number of ways. As a network of ethical food traders across the UK, we are strong advocates for alliance-building. And our focus on supporting ethical retail, short supply chains and changes in consumer behaviour all feeds into the bigger picture: creating food-system change to achieve healthy, sustainable diets for all."
Empowering people to make changes that support personal and planetary health
Food Matters puts people at the centre of everything they do. They believe that people who will be affected by a change, should participate in deciding what the change should be. Whether it’s a change to their diet, their lifestyle or a change to their food system. Food Matters support people to take control over decisions that are made which affect their lives.
Helen Starr-Keddle, Deputy Director said:
“Food Matters is excited to be joining the Eating Better coalition, to work together to create a fair and sustainable food environment where everyone has access to healthy, affordable and nutritious food. We work at every level to empower people to improve the system as we believe a fairer food system improves the health of people and the planet. We support many innovative projects from developing food partnerships, to working on fairer food in prisons, many of these have opportunities to talk about producing and eating food that is better for animal welfare and for nature.”
Bridging the gap between cultural diversity and health
Due to the demographic changes and the demand for health equity, there is a need to provide adequate services that meet the needs of culturally diverse groups. At the Diverse Nutrition Association, they believe that cultural sensitivity should be integrated in all aspects of health research, public and community health. Therefore, they aim to provide education, knowledge and access to resources that enrich health professionals and the community.
Amaeze Madukah MSc (RNutr) PhD(c), Director said:
"The Diverse Nutrition Association shares the Eating Better Alliance's commitment to promoting healthier eating habits and are proud to bring expertise in culturally sensitive health to the Eating Better Alliance. We look forward to working together to make healthy living accessible to everyone."
Uniting students to advocate for policy change
NUS Charity is a national membership organisation providing students unions with expertise & collective purchasing frameworks for food & beverage operations in tertiary education. The Sustainable Students Union Charter unites the movement in adopting sustainable practices and advocating for policy change.
“NUS Charity is delighted to join the Eating Better alliance, supporting our members to deliver sustainable food & drink through a less but better approach to meat & dairy and also increasing plant-based foods. As a collective, we care about the climate emergency and are tackling the changes that need to be made through our commitment to better sourcing and to diet shift through menu nudging.”
Giving children the best start in life
Children's Alliance is a coalition of 100+ organisations working to give children the best start in life, including through good food and nutrition. Most people don’t realise how much a child’s first five years will impact their physical and mental wellbeing for life. Children’s Alliance want to change that. Their food and nutrition working group delivers good food for children via advocacy, policy and community implementation.
"We are happy to join the Eating Better alliance to lend our support towards healthy and sustainable food for everyone, including good food for children. Within our policy manifesto we make seven gold standard policy asks of the next government, including to implement Universal Free School Meals with the additional removal of processed meat from nursery and school menus, to protect the health of our children, and the planet."
