Linking young people and food producers in North Devon

An innovative project sparking conversations between young people and food producers is underway in North Devon.  

Food for Thought is led by Devon Community Foundation (DCF). The project forms part of the foundation’s work to develop a community-based understanding of local challenges, such as accessing sufficient healthy food, and to use this to attract resources and focus funding on impactful, place-based initiatives.  

Food for Thought is engaging with young people in Bideford and Barnstaple, to explore with them their understanding of food and food production, and start conversations  between young people and producers, farmers and local suppliers. The project involves cookery sessions and regular visits to farms, food producers and food suppliers in the area.  

The aim is for young people to learn about local food systems and develop their confidence around food and cooking. They will also be supported to experiment with local ingredients, and to develop potential new food products.  

Dr Ian Blackwell, the project lead, said: “We aim to bridge the gap between young people and local farmers and food producers by developing young people’s knowledge and appreciation of all the great ingredients in the north of the county. This is being done through regular cookery classes where local suppliers come in and challenge the young people to cook something delicious, as well as visits out to farms, growers and  farm shops. This sparks discussions between those working in the food economy and young adults.

“The connections developed through this work will enable us to hear from an often-unheard set of voices and understand the challenges of accessing healthy local  food. This should allow us fresh insights into possible ways to strengthen the relationship between local producers and young food consumers. 

“The work is firmly led by young people and will develop in response to their interests and priorities. For instance, it might lead to discussions about employment and enterprise linked to food, broadening young people’s career horizons. There is also a strong strand of developing the research skills of the young people involved, which includes regular group discussions about food, interviewing opportunities and the chance to present what they have learnt to various audiences.” 

Alongside this, the young people are working with a professional filmmaker to plan, record, edit and create podcasts, social media posts and a final project film. 

Devon Community Foundation is managing the project, with funding awarded by UKRI’s Community Knowledge Fund and the Young Foundation. DCF is closely involved  in a number of research and funding initiatives relating to food insecurity in Devon and has built up considerable insight in this area as a result.  

The foundation is drawing on this expertise to develop a food fund while also leading discussions about how to influence policy and ensure that resources are directed where they will be most effective in tackling food insecurity.

Devon Community Foundation’s work is made possible by both public funds and private donations. Visit the website to find out more: www.devoncf.com