Good food, for everyone, forever

We’re excited to launch a new round of the Climate Action Fund focused on food systems. This new programme is shaped by insights from Beth Bell and Dan Crossley from the Food Ethics Council, whose expertise and research informed our thinking.  

They shared science writer Colin Tudge’s simple but powerful message of good food, for everyone, forever. It reflects our belief that food systems should work fairly for people today and protect nature for future generations.  

You can read the Food Ethics Council blog on their work and reflections.

Together, we explored how to support long term change that helps communities access healthy, affordable food while protecting nature and reducing impacts on the climate.  

Why food systems matter 

Food affects all of us. It shapes our health, our dignity and our daily lives. It also shapes the environment we depend on. Yet food insecurity, environmental damage and climate change are often treated as separate issues.  

Food systems shape how food is grown, shared and eaten. They shape who has access to good food, how affordable it is and who profits. When these systems fail, the impact is not equal. People facing poverty, disadvantage or discrimination are often affected first and worst. 

Protecting nature, responding to climate change and tackling food insecurity are deeply connected. This connection is at the heart of this funding. 

What this funding is about

This is large-scale, long-term funding designed to support systems change. Organisations and partnerships can apply for grants of at least £2.5 million over a minimum of 3 years.   

By systems change, we mean work that changes how food systems work. This could include changing relationships, decision-making, funding priorities or new ways of working. It is about addressing root causes, not only responding when problems reach crisis point. Our aim is to support change at scale, not short-term fixes. 

Putting people first

Equity and inclusion are central to this programme. We want to support work that improves access to healthy and affordable food options in ways that protect dignity and choice. 

We recognise emergency food support remains vital, and we continue to fund this through other programmes. However, this funding focuses on the longer-term causes of food insecurity and how systems can change to prevent crisis before it happens. 

What happens next

This funding is part of the Fund’s wider Environment Mission and our long-term commitment to systems change. We see this as an ongoing journey, shaped by learning from communities and partners. 

If you’re part of an organisation or partnership working to change UK food systems, we encourage you to find out more and join our upcoming online information session. 

Sign up for a webinar about the new funding available. 

Find out more and apply to the Climate Action Fund - Food Systems.