On the blog today, Jess from Good Food Oxfordshire shares the vision behind the organisation, how eScalate has helped to grow the network and GFO’s exciting work to deliver the Oxfordshire Food Strategy. >>
How did GFO start?
Good Food Oxford was launched in December 2013 in order to help support the existing work of many organisations in and around the city to improve our food system, to catalyse new initiatives and collaborations, and to encourage more joined-up thinking, research and policy around food issues.
A steering group was formed to take the idea forward and in 2014 The Good Food Charter was drafted, which is a statement of values for a better food system in Oxford. Since then Good Food Oxford has become Good Food Oxfordshire, to encompass the county-wide nature of our work.
In May 2021 GFO published the first Food Strategy for Oxfordshire, building on our ambitions to expand GFO’s work countywide across Oxfordshire.
What is the purpose and vision of GFO?
Our vision is that everyone in Oxfordshire can enjoy the healthy and sustainable food that they need every day. To achieve this vision we aim to identify, catalyse and support actions by individuals and organisations that promote a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for Oxfordshire.
We are a network of over 150 organisations, including local food businesses, farmers and growers, institutions, and community groups who have all signed the Oxfordshire Good Food Charter demonstrating their commitment to change. Working with our partners we guide vision and strategy, advance policy, coordinate and support aligned activities and build public will through events, workshops and campaigns.
What support did you receive from eScalate and how has it helped you?
GFO has been involved with eScalate in a variety of ways, participating in peer to peer workshops and in various networking events, enabling us to broaden our network and explore ideas around food related social enterprise models.
What are the most rewarding moments you’ve had with GFO in Oxfordshire?
GFO has had many exciting moments! The launch of the Oxfordshire Food Strategy in May 2021 was a highlight for the team, as it was developed by a multi-stakeholder group who are all committed to a strategy that aims to make healthy and sustainable food accessible and affordable whilst improving the resilience of our local food system. Personally I’ve enjoyed working with the incredible network of food and farming businesses, community groups, and local institutions who are all working in different ways to make healthy and sustainable food more accessible for all.
What are your plans for the future?
There are lots of different projects in the pipeline at GFO. Ensuring that ‘food thinking’ is embedded within existing policies and plans as well as developing new initiatives is critical to the success of the Oxfordshire Food Strategy. The next step is working with Food Action Working Groups in each District, and the City of Oxford, who are tasked with the job of embedding and delivering the strategy locally. If you would like to get involved in taking forward the Food Strategy for Oxfordshire then contact mail@gfo.org.uk to register interest and find out more.
