Blaenau Gwent has achieved national recognition for its commitment to building a fairer, healthier and more sustainable local food system, after securing the Bronze Sustainable Food Places Award.

The award, which recognises places taking a joined-up and holistic approach to good food, reflects the collective efforts of the Blaenau Gwent Food Partnership Steering Group and its many partners — including local organisations, community groups and businesses — who are working together to create a strong local ‘Good Food Movement’.

The judging panel praised the partnership’s well-evidenced and ambitious application, noting that it “comfortably meets the Bronze benchmark” and “in several areas, demonstrates progress towards Silver.”

They highlighted Blaenau Gwent’s work with schools and young people as an area of best practice across the national network. They commended the partnership for “using food as a vehicle for social and economic development.”

While recognising the challenges posed by regional and national procurement frameworks, the panel also encouraged the partnership to continue strengthening local supply chain collaboration as part of its ongoing development.

The Sustainable Food Places programme celebrates local partnerships that are transforming the food system from the ground up — promoting healthy, affordable and climate-friendly food that supports people and communities.

The achievement marks a major milestone for Blaenau Gwent, showcasing what’s possible when organisations work together to make good food a central part of community wellbeing and local economic growth.

Learn more about the BG Food Partnership here.