Three key priorities have been identified as part of a fresh and ambitious plan to increase participation in food-related activities across Inverclyde.
The community food strategy 2026-31, agreed by the Alliance Board, builds on the previous three-year version and sets out an overarching vision for the area.
It has been informed by an assessment of local needs and opportunities and is structured around three aims – embed lifelong food education; expand inclusive access to growing spaces; and champion food waste reduction and surplus redistribution.
Councillor Elizabeth Robertson, chair of the board, said: “We have achieved so much across Inverclyde in just a few years and many of these projects are well established.
“Just last year the Inverclyde Community Food Network became an established charity which is a great achievement and important development as it opens up more funding opportunities.
“It is clear that a lot of work has gone into educating people of all ages about the importance of growing your own food and this new plan builds on that.
“I look forward to seeing this strategy grow and develop over the next five years.”
It was developed by the food strategy group, with support from Inclusive Communities, and has built on the previous three-year plan.
The 2023-26 strategy focused on increasing opportunities for communities to grow their own food.
Its achievements included training people in community cooking; establishing the Food Network Strategy Group; regular growing, harvesting and cooking activities across early learning centres; and the expansion of growing spaces through different partnerships.
However, the latest version aims to go beyond food growing and address the wider needs in communities, including improving nutrition, reducing food surplus and waste and ensuring fair access to good food for all.
Inverclyde Alliance is a community planning partnership which brings together representatives from a wide range of public and third sector organisations.
