Food security is a big deal here in the UK. It means everyone having reliable access to enough affordable, healthy food. That's something we should all care about! A recent report by food expert Tim Lang really highlighted some serious challenges. We're seeing more and more people struggling with poverty and food insecurity (over 14 million across the UK, and heartbreakingly, 4.5 million of those are children). Plus, food prices keep going up faster than wages, and we rely on imports for over half of our food. And let’s not forget the impact all of this has on our environment. Tim's report really highlights the need for our government to step up and take action on this important issue.

But it's not all doom and gloom! Here in Powys, we're rolling up our sleeves and doing something about it. Bwyd Powys Food is all about building strong, local food systems. We dream of a Powys where everyone has access to good, sustainable, and healthy food that supports our communities, our people, and our beautiful environment. We're a bunch of passionate people and organisations working together, including Powys County Council, Powys Teaching Health Board, Neath Port Talbot Colleges, Black Mountains College, Bannau Brycheiniog, Our Food 1200, Cultivate, Social Farms & Gardens, Natural Resources Wales, and Mach Maethlon. We also team up with food banks, local businesses, community groups, and lots of other amazing folks.

We've got a fantastic strategy and action plan that we created through engagement and conversations across Powys in 2023. It's packed with 46 actions, and we're working with 21 different partners to make them happen. Many of these actions directly address the food security challenges we're facing. For example, Action 23 is all about supporting local food sharing and reducing waste, while also thinking about food sovereignty. And Action 27 is exploring where we can create more food producing and community growing spaces – imagine all the fresh veggies! These actions show how dedicated we are to building a fairer, more sustainable food system right here at home.

What makes our partnership so special is everyone getting involved. With local government, health experts, colleges, and community groups all on board, we've got a really well-rounded team. We can all share our knowledge and resources to build a food system that’s strong and resilient.

Of course, we can't do it all on our own. While we're making progress locally, we need bigger changes at the national level too. The recent report calls for more investment in sustainable farming, supporting our local food producers, and cutting down on food waste. These are things we really care about, and it's great to see them highlighted at a national level. We need joined-up thinking, with local action and national policies working hand in hand.

So, food security is a big, complex issue. The national report paints a serious picture, and we know we need to act fast. In Powys, Bwyd Powys Food is showing what we can achieve when we work together. By sharing food, reducing waste, and growing locally, we really can make a difference. But we need everyone to get involved! Become an active food citizen – check out the Bwyd Powys Food website and sign our food charter. It’s a simple way to show you care and help us build a brighter, more food-secure future for everyone.

Sign the food charter here.