In Conversation: Building an Affordable Food Network in Midlothian

How do we build a community-led, accessible and sustainable affordable food network in Midlothian?

The 3rd of October is Day 1 of Challenge Poverty Week 2022. This week is an opportunity to raise a unified voice against poverty and show we all want to live in a more just and equal Scotland. The current Cost of Living Crisis is pulling us in the opposite direction. Our food system is struggling with the pressure of local and global crises, and our communities are paying the price. The current system is not sustainable. We need a model that is beneficial for local people with local opportunities that tackles food insecurity, but also addresses other issues including health and climate. Organisations and communities need to work together to develop an affordable food network that serves the people of Midlothian.

MFIN commissioned a piece of research to gain a better understanding of how and where people can access affordable food in Midlothian. The research is being carried out by GrowGreen Scotland. Stage 1 of the research culminated in a report to establish the following:

• Where there are affordable food projects in Midlothian such as food fridges and food pantries
• Whether there are growing projects in Midlothian that might want to support affordable food projects 
• What part affordable food could play in twenty-minute neighbourhoods
• The best way for our local affordable food projects to share best practice

Stage 2 of the research is currently underway, with a focus on sustainability. Karen Davidson from GrowGreen Scotland will be in attendance at the event to give an overview of the research that has been conducted.

Join MFIN to discuss what does Midlothian needs to build an affordable food network. This is an opportunity for members of the third and public sectors, and communities to share ideas on how we can mobilise individually and together. We will spend time in breakout rooms to discuss how we can build a thriving food network that is community-led, sustainable and accessible.