Lib Dems set out green vision for Gloucester’s £222,000 food boost

Gloucester Liberal Democrats have welcomed the city securing £222,000 from the Government’s new Good Food Neighbourhoods programme, and say it offers an exciting opportunity to link affordable food with Gloucester’s environmental ambitions.

The funding will build on Nourishing Gloucester and the work already being done by community pantries, kitchens, growing projects, food banks and voluntary organisations across the city.

Lib Dem councillors Sebastian Field and Rebecca Trimnell say the programme could help Gloucester go further by supporting local and community growing, reducing food waste and finding new ways to make affordable fresh food available in neighbourhoods across the city.

Ideas supported by the national programme include community food shops, community kitchens and mobile greengrocers, with local communities helping to shape what works best for their area.

Councillor Sebastian Field, Gloucester Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Environment, said: “This is a chance to do something really positive for Gloucester.

“We can help families with the cost of food while growing more locally, wasting less and getting good surplus food onto plates instead of into bins. That’s good for people, good for communities and good for the planet.”

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, Gloucester Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Communities and Neighbourhoods, added: “There are some brilliant organisations already doing this work across Gloucester, and this funding gives us the opportunity to build on that.

“I’d love to see residents and community groups bringing forward ideas about what would work in their neighbourhoods, whether that’s growing, cooking, affordable fresh food or something completely new.”

Gloucester Liberal Democrats have welcomed the Government’s investment and the opportunity for local communities to help shape the next stage of the programme.

The £222,000 will be available until March 2029, with further details expected following publication of the Government’s formal guidance.