A whole systems project to improve food security across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Shaping Places for Healthier Lives

In Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, there has been a dramatic increase in demand for accessible, affordable food, and a need to reduce food insecurity. 

This Shaping Places for Healthier Lives project aimed to establish a more integrated, systemic approach to combatting food insecurity, focusing on seven areas of sociodemographic deprivation where families are experiencing food insecurity as part of their daily lives: Lawrence Hill, Lawrence Weston, Knowle West (Bristol); Weston Central, Weston South (North Somerset); and Patchway Coniston, Charlton Hayes (South Gloucestershire). 

The aim was to develop solutions to food insecurity which are pragmatic, manageable and sustainable in terms of financial, social and environmental impacts, and that reduce health inequalities. This meant focusing on the underlying causes of food insecurity, rather than just plugging a gap. This included developing more joined-up responses that will help establish a cultural behaviour change; and enabling communities to develop resilience in becoming more food secure by building on community strengths, resources and existing work, the co-production of local action plans, and encouraging residents to have a stronger voice about what needs to change and how.

Key achievements

To understand the system in each area, the project team worked on system mapping and developing relationships, both at a local level with the communities they were working in, and at an organisational level, for example the local authorities and integrated care boards. 

Through brainstorming existing local services, a food provision map was plotted, showing where the food banks, food clubs and local organisations were located in the areas. The Bristol Food Network helped expand on this food mapping and identify what food provision had not been captured.

In line with the overall approach of tackling the underlying causes of food insecurity, the project team encouraged communities and groups to look for solutions that go beyond ‘just providing food’. This has resulted in a shift in perspectives among frontline workers; moving from crisis response to focusing on longer term, sustainable solutions.

The structure of the community group funding, whereby a group of community organisations are funded rather than single organisations, has led to a collaborative rather than competitive funding mechanism, with community groups working together to decide how to use funding. 

In each area, teams of voluntary, community sector organisations and schools worked together to plan initiatives across the whole system, testing new approaches and sharing the learning. These activities included food hubs, cooking and budgeting courses, cost of living support events, and food forums.

At a local level, the project has increased community confidence in cooking skills and understanding of healthy eating. Local people are now more actively involved in initiatives and have the opportunity to influence and make decisions that impact their local area.

The project has enabled community groups to work together, not just on food insecurity, but on broader social issues. It has also increased awareness of food insecurity locally. 

Key reflections and learnings

The project provided valuable insights into addressing food insecurity through a complex systems approach. However, it also demonstrated that achieving meaningful change is far more intricate and messier than academic and theoretical models suggest. There is inherent complexity in tackling societal issues like food insecurity, with multiple stakeholders, varying interpretations of systems change, and the unpredictable nature of community dynamics. 

The project highlighted the critical importance of building relationships and trust between diverse organisations, and that this process is time-consuming and requires genuine engagement. 

Insights into the structure of local systems highlighted the complexities of decision-making processes within councils, public health teams, and other local entities. The hierarchical nature of these organisations also presented unique challenges. 

Sustainability and long term vision

Community groups are highly motivated to ensure the continuation of the work initiated by this project, and are actively seeking ongoing funding. For example, a general practice in Bristol has been awarded a fellowship to address food inequality, and the community group is collaborating with them to share insights.

In South Gloucestershire, a five-year Climate and Nature Emergency Action Plan includes food insecurity, with the aim of making the area a sustainable food place. This structured approach ensures ongoing progress and recognition for the community’s efforts.

In North Somerset, a strategy addresses food security and other related issues such as transport and commissioned services. The project team in the area is working alongside other departments to develop this strategy.

Advice for others

This project provides valuable lessons for future complex systems approaches to addressing food insecurity and more widely, including:

• Good project management: Define clear objectives, roles and expected outcomes early on in order to maintain momentum and address delays effectively. 
• Building relationships is important: Take the time to build relationships and trust between organisations and people, both existing partnerships and new connections.
• Be collaborative: Involve key stakeholders from the beginning, bringing in teams or individuals with the most appropriate connections.
• A clear vision from the start: Have a clear project vision, inclusive engagement strategies and flexibility in the approach.
• Be representative: Undertake comprehensive equality impact assessments to ensure representation from all groups, including those traditionally under-represented.