Businesses are being invited to get behind Bristol’s bid to become the UK’s first Gold Sustainable Food City by promoting healthy eating and supporting a better local food system.
Bristol is already a recognised trailblazer in food-related projects and practices – often leading the world with its innovative. It was also among the first Silver Award Sustainable Food Cities in the UK. 
But to gain the country’s first Gold Award the whole city will need to be involved – including its businesses.
Bristol’s Going for Gold bid puts ‘good food’ – food that is tasty, healthy, affordable and good for people, the city and the planet – at its core and aims to make significant and long-lasting improvements to the way food is grown, bought and eaten across the city.
At a time when 40% of food produced in the UK goes to waste and the global food system is under mounting pressure, the Going For Gold campaign organisers believe that Bristol’s active and innovative approach to sustainable food will stand it in good stead.
They point out that an improved food system comes with numerous benefits for the city, including healthier people, fertile soil, flourishing wildlife, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and thriving local communities.
Businesses can find out more at the first in a series of Going for Gold Business Breakfasts, focusing on food waste, next Wednesday May 22 at accountancy group Smith & Williamson’s Portwall Place office.
The gold award is being staged by the Sustainable Food Cities Network, a national programme that celebrates and supports communities taking a joined-up and sustainable approach to food. The programme is a collaboration between the Soil Association and Sustain – both based in Bristol – and Food Matters.
A dedicated Going for Gold website has been set up where individuals can collect e-badges in recognition of their direct contribution to the bid.
The website highlights ‘good food’ actions that individuals, organisations and those working in the food sector in Bristol can take to support a better food system in the city. The actions will bring a range benefits to people’s health, the environment, workplaces and communities, and aim to make a collective impact on Bristol’s food system.
More than 120 organisations contributed Bristol gaining a Silver City award, demonstrating commitment across Bristol to making ‘good food’ part of the city’s identity, and laying the foundations for the Going for Gold bid.
To achieve Gold by 2020, Bristol will be taking steps to improve food in the city in six Food Action Areas:
• Buying Better: Making it easier for people, retailers and caterers to buy good food;
• Food Waste: Reducing food waste in the home and in the workplace;
• Urban Growing: Growing food in the city;
• Community Action: Supporting food action in the community;
• Eating Better: Helping people to cook and eat good food;
• Food Equality: Making sure everyone can access good food.
The bid is being coordinated by Bristol Food Network, in collaboration with Bristol Green Capital Partnership and Bristol City Council. Essential Trading are a Going for Gold partner, and GENeco a Going for Gold sponsor, with several other organisations supporting the bid.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Asher Craig, who chairs the Going for Gold steering group, said: “The Going for Gold bid is certainly challenging, but our city’s culture of supporting local food enterprises and nurturing innovation makes me confident that Bristol can achieve its aspiration of becoming a Gold Sustainable Food City.
“Our international reputation as a city with a vibrant and independent food scene is a strong foundation for individuals and organisations to build on and lead the way in making healthy, sustainable and ethical food available for all.”
To find out more visit www.goingforgoldbristol.co.uk, follow @Bristolfoodnet on Twitter or join the conversation using #GoingforGoldBristol
