We’re delighted to welcome Jenny Ekelund as the new CEO of Good Food Oxfordshire.

Jenny joins GFO at a pivotal moment — as the urgency of climate action, rising food insecurity, and diet-related health challenges increasingly intersect, and as our county continues to show what’s possible when communities, producers, charities, institutions and local authorities work together for change. With a career spanning environmental sustainability, public health, social enterprise and community governance, Jenny brings deep expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a strong connection to Oxfordshire itself.

Throughout her career, Jenny has worked at the intersection of planetary and human health — from biodiversity and sustainable supply chains, to housing, food access and sustainable diets. She has long been a champion of partnership working and practical, place-based solutions, values that sit at the heart of Good Food Oxfordshire’s mission.

In this introductory Q&A, Jenny shares what led her to food sustainability, what resonates most strongly with GFO’s work, and what excites her about joining our “small but mighty” team and network. We’re incredibly excited to have her on board — and to begin this next chapter together.

Tell us about you and your background — what led you to work in food sustainability and accessibility?

I’ve always been interested in the connection between human and planetary health — and nowhere is that link stronger than in the food we eat. Early in my career, working for a biodiversity research charity and seeing their work on sustainable cocoa farming sparked a lasting interest in environmental stewardship within food supply chains.

Over the past two decades, I’ve managed environmental projects and partnerships across the charity, health and social enterprise sectors. Alongside this, I spent nine years on the board of a social housing community mutual in Oxfordshire, which opened my eyes to food insecurity in our county — particularly how high housing costs can undermine people’s ability to access good food.

The challenge of making that shift at a global scale can feel daunting, and it is hugely inspiring to see the GFO network making change happen locally

Most recently, I worked at NIHR, the government’s health research funder, leading climate, health and sustainability programmes, including work on sustainable diets. The global food system’s contribution to climate change — and the benefits of prioritising fairness and sustainability — are undeniable. While global change can feel daunting, seeing the GFO network driving practical, local action is hugely inspiring.

My interest in local food initiatives goes back a long way. As Oxford University’s Head of Environmental Sustainability, I attended the launch of the original Good Food Oxford charter, and I was an enthusiastic customer of the Cultivate veg van (sadly no longer running!). After having my children, I set up as an independent sustainability advisor, supporting local food projects and purpose-led organisations such as Waste2Taste. I later volunteered as a trustee and chair for Oxford Hub (now Student Hubs) and its sister sustainable restaurant.

What part of GFO’s mission resonates most deeply with you?

GFO’s commitment to collaborative working for a fairer food system for all really resonates with me. I’m a huge believer in partnership working, and I’m happiest when working with others on practical, solutions-focused change.

What excites you most about engaging with the GFO community and network?

The diversity of organisations within the GFO network is incredible. I’m really looking forward to getting to know members better — many of whom I already know as a customer! Oxfordshire has such a wealth of expertise and passionate organisations, all committed to tackling food poverty, the climate emergency and diet-related health challenges through delicious, local food.

What are you most looking forward to about joining GFO?

I’m excited to be working for change right on my doorstep, in Oxfordshire — my home county — and to be part of the small but mighty GFO team. 

Jenny will officially join Good Food Oxfordshire as CEO on 2 February 2026. Read her official bio here.