Suffolk Food Summit Unites Local Leaders to Forge a Sustainable Food Future

The summit which took place at the Food Museum in Stowmarket, assembled influential leaders, from local farmers and producers to food waste advocates and community project coordinators. Together, attendees explored solutions to food poverty, strategies for building resilient local food networks, and pathways for Suffolk to become a Sustainable Food Place.

The Suffolk Food Summit was part of a broader £1.5 million initiative by The Suffolk Public Sector Leaders Group (SPSL) to strengthen the county’s food ecosystem over the next three years. This funding supports Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and its dedicated team in delivering on-the-ground assistance for food projects, working directly with community organisations to alleviate food hardship and ensure that nutritious, local food is accessible to all.

The event featured a series of workshops covering topics such as reducing food waste, increasing local food access, and developing pathways for young people into agriculture. Each session offered insights and practical steps to help Suffolk build a food ecosystem that prioritises local resilience and environmental sustainability.

Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality said:

“Suffolk is at the beginning of a transformative journey in how we approach food, community, and sustainability. It was inspiring to see such a strong commitment to tackling food poverty, supporting local producers, and finding innovative ways to reduce food waste.

“Our vision is to make Suffolk a model for sustainable food practices, where access to healthy, local food is the standard, and communities are empowered to make real, lasting changes. With the momentum from today’s discussions and continued collaboration, I am confident that Suffolk can lead the way and create a food system that benefits everyone.”

Looking ahead, SPSL is planning a second summit for spring 2026 to assess progress and continue fostering partnerships. With these initiatives, Suffolk aims to create a model of sustainable, community-focused food networks that can inspire other regions.

For more information on Suffolk’s food sustainability initiatives and how to get involved, contact Suffolk County Council or visit Community Action Suffolk’s website at https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/community-food-partnership/.