From a small network of advocates to a county-wide force for change, our journey remains rooted in the belief that together, we can ensure everyone in Oxfordshire has access to the food they need to thrive.
LEARN MOREOur story began in December 2013 with a simple but ambitious vision: a food system that is healthy, fair, and environmentally sustainable for everyone in our community. What started as an initial meeting of passionate advocates quickly blossomed into action. By June 2014, we launched the Oxford Good Food Charter, establishing a formal network dedicated to transforming how we grow, share, and enjoy food.
In our early years, we focused on making ‘good food’ tangible and fun. From hosting ‘Ready Steady Cookup!’ sessions to pedalling ‘smoothie bikes’ in Blackbird Leys, we took our mission directly to the streets.
It was during this time that our influence began to spread beyond city limits. Our ‘squash food waste’ campaign - a highlight of our annual Pumpkin Festival - proved so impactful that it was eventually adopted by 22 other cities across the UK.
In 2017, we took a major step forward by becoming an independent company (Good Food Oxford Ltd), and just a year later, our collective city-wide efforts were honoured with the Sustainable Food Places Bronze Award.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a watershed moment. As the fragility of our food systems became clear, we knew our mission had to grow. In 2021, we officially rebranded as Good Food Oxfordshire (GFO), expanding our focus to encompass the entire county.
During this ‘Year of Change’, we acted as a backbone for the region, bringing together over 80 stakeholders - from farmers to policymakers - to co-create the first-ever county-wide Food Strategy for Oxfordshire. This wasn’t just a document; it was a roadmap for a more resilient future.
Today, Good Food Oxfordshire is a leading voice in the UK’s sustainable food movement. In November 2023, our county’s hard work was recognised on the national stage when we were presented with the prestigious Sustainable Food Places Silver Award.
We continue to innovate through ground-breaking initiatives like OxFarmToFork, which builds direct supply chains between local farms and Oxford colleges. Our commitment to the next generation was also recently celebrated at the University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, where our work on childhood nutrition received ‘Highly Commended’ honours.
From a small network of advocates to a county-wide force for change, our journey remains rooted in the belief that together, we can ensure everyone in Oxfordshire has access to the food they need to thrive.
