Feed Leeds is the Leeds version of the Incredible Edible project. We’re an ‘Unincorporated Association’ – a constituted network of organisations and individuals (known as Connections – see here) involved with sustainable local food and related issues, aiming to offer advice and support of various kinds. It has been, to date, largely unfunded, with the team giving their time and experience pro bono. Plans to secure funding are currently in development. Feed Leeds does not usually create or manage individual growing projects, though we aim to help when asked. Projects and plots are run by our Connections – who we ask to display our logo (downloads folder). 

(NB Feed Leeds Feeding the Homeless is an excellent but different organisation).

Download the Feed Leeds Constitution for details.

Background

Feed Leeds was born in December 2011 of an initiative by Cllr Adam Ogilvie, now CEO of Meanwood Valley Urban Farm and, finally, Chair of Feed Leeds, but then Executive Member for Leisure who, following presentations by a number of local food growers, suggested that LCC Parks and Countryside should invite anyone interested in local / community food production to a round-table forum. Interest was strong from the start, and it was not long before the project had a name, a (temporary) website, a constitution and a committee (see below). Feed Leeds was launched officially on 20th of September 2012, in a combined event with the Urban Food Justice research project, at Shine, Harehills Road.

Initially the chief focus was to find, research and build relationships with food-growing projects of all kinds across Leeds to develop a strategic picture of the activities that already exist, and to identify ways potentially to improve visibility, effectiveness and co-operation between organisations. 

The first high profile activity was the Edible Beds competition and subsequent planting at the Civic Hall and in parks in early 2013. Then, in June 2013, Feed Leeds joined the global Incredible Edible family, endorsing the IE philosophy of promoting local food as a convening force for the development of health, well-being, resilience and sustainability.

Feed Leeds has an overarching commitment to communities through its many Connections (see Projects). The education sector is being championed by the Leeds Edible Schools Sustainability Network, and Leeds Edible Campus in which Feed Leeds has a ‘co-managing’ role, as well as projects at both Leeds universities. Other Connections involve volunteering, soil research/boichar, wild food harvesting, horticulture, agriculture, allotments, apprenticeships, local markets and food outlets, catering, food banks, health and well-being initiatives and more. In 2017, Feed Leeds was the prime force in the creation of Leeds Food Partnership now called Foodwise Leeds, which now addresses the wider issues around food in the city. Feed Leeds  contributes to LFP as a key partner. Committee members and connected organisations will also progress specific projects at various scales, either under their own names in association with Feed Leeds, or, if a strong enough case exists for direct involvement (such as when the Feed Leeds constitution, structure or funding offer special value), as Feed Leeds with or without additional branding.

AIMS

To increase food growing in Leeds

To maximise the consumption of locally grown food in Leeds

To increase the sustainability of food use in Leeds, including the reduction of waste

To increase healthy eating in Leeds

OBJECTIVES

To build, maintain and support the network by connecting with existing and new food projects

Host a website that describes Feed Leeds, offers advice to growers, and shows locations of sites

Respond to requests for help and information, building the network and supporting growers by means of goodwill and the sharing of knowledge

Host networking meetings, events and workshops as resources permit

Develop and/or support educational, community and commercial projects as resources permit

To influence policy by working positively with the council and other agencies to champion the local food agenda

Identify necessary policy changes and lobbying for them

Identify barriers and seeking to help remove them.

This is Urbal.tv’s holding website for Feed Leeds. A more sophisticated website is planned, but funds remain unavailable. These pages are managed by one volunteer with no financial or direct support from LCC or other Feed Leeds partners. If you have any information that could usefully be included, or spot any information which is inaccurate, please email tom@urbal.tv

NB: This video is a little out of date now, but may provide useful background.