University of Brighton Edward Street
154-155 Edward StreetTwenty years ago, Brighton & Hove started doing something radical that now feels more important than ever. We brought people together across health, local government, business and community organisations to think about our food system as a whole, and to turn plans into practical action.
Today, our food system faces some huge challenges. But there are things we can do now, as farmers, businesses, policymakers, communities and citizens, to start building a better and more resilient future. This conference is a chance to celebrate what Brighton & Hove Food Partnership has helped build, but more importantly to look forward.
What have we learnt? What is working? And what do we need to build now to make Sussex’s food system more resilient for the next 20 years?
1.30 – 2.45 Opening session - Food Futures what comes next?
A short look back at 20 years of the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership with Vic Borrill, CEO
Stuart Gillespie, Author, Food Fight and Fellow of International Food Policy Research Institute will explore the scale of the challenge and why the global food system needs to change if it is to be better for people and planet.
Our Food Futures Panel will bring together people with lived experience of food insecurity and the young people who will inherit the food system we are shaping today. We’ll ask them one question: By the time BHFP is 30, what would you like to have changed?
Lucy Heyderman, Citizen Engagement Manager at The Food Foundation, will bring a national perspective, sharing learning from work involving people with lived experience in campaigning and engagement with policymakers.
Spotlight sessions
The afternoon continues with opportunities to explore some practical solutions
3.10 – 4.05 pm
From the Downs to our Plates asks how we create a local food economy that works for nature and farmers while getting more locally produced food onto our plates. With Ecologist Graeme Lyons, Farmer Ben Carr and Cllr Tim Rowkins Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero.
Or
Beyond the Food Bank: Building a more resilient food safety net. This will use the latest Food Support Network survey and learning from Beyond Food Banks to explore a more preventative approach to food insecurity.
4.15–5.15 pm
Food Use Places Showcase will share practical ideas from schools and community venues for helping people make better use of food and reduce waste, with a focus on what could be replicated elsewhere.
Or
The Community Garden Board Game - we are part of a research project that involves testing how 'serious games' can help people understand food systems. A chance to play this fun game all about community food growing
And throughout the afternoon, visit Food in Action, our interactive exhibition celebrating 20 years of BHFP through photographs, archive material, stories and hands-on activities.
Come and celebrate 20 years with us, and help shape what comes next.
We are asking for a £20 donation per person which will go to the Community Kitchen's recipe for life campaign teaching cookery to primary aged children.
As we don't want cost to be a barrier there is also the option to select a free ticket on booking
You are welcome to attend for some / all of the afternoon and will be asked on booking which sessions you would like to come to. Please note there are limited numbers of spaces for the Community Garden Board game and the workshop on Beyond the Food Bank.
Wed, Nov 25, 2026 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm
University of Brighton Edward Street
154-155 Edward Street
We’re a non-profit organisation helping people learn to cook, eat a healthy diet, grow their own food and waste less food.
Food is more than just fuel, it brings people together and changes lives.
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