“The ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy is a welcome start – but like any good recipe, it needs testing, tasting, and tweaking.” FoodCycle CEO Sophie Tebbetts
A National Recipe for Change
As the government releases the ‘Good Food Cycle’, its vision and framework for a future UK food system, I find myself thinking about the ingredients we’re putting into our national approach to food – and whether we’re cooking up something that truly nourishes everyone.
At FoodCycle, we know that food isn’t just fuel. It’s connection. It’s dignity. It’s community.
So when a framework for a new UK food strategy arrives on the table, we pay close attention. Because if we want to build a food system that works for both people and planet, we need to work together to get the recipe right.
Encouraging Ingredients – But How Will it be Served?
The government’s strategy does include welcome signs – and not just because it has an excellent name! We absolutely agree there should be:
“Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options.”
But as with any recipe, the real results come from what happens next. Policies and investment in infrastructure will be crucial to turning this ambitious vision into something tangible.
Empty Plates – Why This Strategy is Needed Now
This latest publication, presented by Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner (who has been supportive of FoodCycle’s community meals), comes at a critical time.
Across the UK:
- Food insecurity has soared
- More people are skipping meals or choosing between heating and eating
- Food waste continues to pile up, as even more and more people go hungry
We see this almost every week at our community meals up and down the country. In our recent guest survey:
- 70% said they skip meals
- 75% said they can’t afford to by the food they need
We also know from our latest research with the British Nutrition Foundation that just 1% of the population eats a balanced, healthy diet.
That’s why we welcome the ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy’s 10-point priorities, particularly those that align with what we’ve been doing for over a decade:
- Promoting healthier diets and nutrition
- Creating more sustainable, resilient food systems
- Reducing food waste and improving supply chains
These principles echo the work we do: turning surplus food into nutritious, shared meals that bring people together, build connection and fight loneliness.
‘’FoodCycle has improved mental health. Less hunger, Less stress, less dread. Warm community routine meals helps structure the weeks positively. Food that would have been wasted but eaten instead is also good for morale.’’ – FoodCycle Guest
Daniel Zeichner visits FoodCycle Cambridge
A Shared Meal – But Who Must Have a Seat at the Table?
But here’s the truth: you can’t build a healthy food system without putting people at the centre.
The government’s publication recognises this in their approach- working with alliances such as Eating Better and Sustain, of which FoodCycle are active members, as well as engaging with citizens assemblies.
We encourage our elected representatives to seize this opportunity to continue the conversation with all participants in the food system.
FoodCycle, as well as the many other amazing charities in this space have a wealth of insight to share – gathered by listening to our communities and the people we support through:
- Surveys
- Focus Groups
- Gathering and sharing stories and experiences from guests and volunteers
From this we understand the positive impact that community dining has on both people and planet:
- 83% of guests feel happier after attending a FoodCycle meal
- 78% feel less lonely
- 76% eat more fruit and vegetables
- 73% say that eating at FoodCycle make them feel like they are making a positive impact of the environment
What Needs to Come Next?
Whilst we wait for the policies and proposals that will help realise the government’s stated priorities. We hope that future publications will go further — and address wider issues not yet tackled in this first version.
We want to see plans that explore:
- How the government will reduce long-term reliance on emergency food support
- The need for sustained funding for community food infrastructure
- The role of social connection in shaping healthier communities and eating habits
The ‘Good Food Cycle’ strategy is a welcome start – but like any good recipe, it needs testing, tasting, and tweaking.
Because the truth is: you can’t fix the food poverty crisis without fixing poverty.
And you can’t build a healthy food culture without giving everyone a seat at the table.
Community Meals – We’ll Keep Doing What We Do Best
At FoodCycle, we’ll keep doing what we do best: serving up warmth, dignity, and nutrition to anyone in our communities that we serve.
We hope this new UK food strategy marks the start of something bigger – a genuine commitment to food justice in every part of the country.
So, we can have ‘a society where no one is hungry or lonely’.
— Sophie Tebbetts, CEO, FoodCycle
Let’s Build a Better Food Future – Together
Want to learn more about how you can work with FoodCycle to tackle food waste, loneliness and hunger?
You can find more information across the FoodCycle website or Contact Us.
