Strengthening Networks for Community-Based Action on 'Good Food': Evaluation of Food for Life Get Togethers
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Introduction
This report explores how the Food for Life Get Togethers (FFLGT) programme helped strengthen community networks by bringing people together through food.
It examines how groups connected, collaborated and built relationships through the programme’s activities.
The report is for practitioners, funders and organisations interested in using food to support social connection and community development.
Methodology
The evaluation draws on:
surveys with participating groups and organisers
qualitative feedback
case examples
monitoring data collected across FFLGT activities
It analyses how groups engaged with each other, how networks formed and what supported or limited relationship‑building.
The findings build on previous University of the West of England (UWE) evaluation work for the programme.
Findings
The report found that FFLGT activities helped build and strengthen local networks by giving groups reasons to collaborate, share resources and develop ongoing relationships.
Many organisers reported that food‑based events made it easier to bring diverse people together and create a welcoming environment for connection.
Networks grew through:
repeated interactions
shared interests in growing
cooking or sharing food
small grants that enabled organisations to try new partnerships
Benefits included:
greater confidence among organisers
stronger community trust
increased participation
more resilient local relationships
The report also highlights how food acted as an anchor for intergenerational contact, cultural exchange and community leadership.
Considerations
Findings rely on self-reported data and may vary between communities. Network strength depended on existing local relationships, capacity, and the resources groups had available.
The report offers useful learning about how food activities support connection but is not a full impact evaluation of long-term community change.A