Being Brave: Innovative solutions to public food procurement

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has resolved to become carbon-neutral by 2038. In its ‘5 Year Environment Plan For Greater Manchester’ the GMCA set itself a target: “To be prepared for the impacts of climate change and already be adapting to the future changes from any increase in climate shocks and stresses”. The Environment Plan also calls for:
  -All citizens to have access to healthy and locally produced food
  -The reduction of unnecessary food waste
  -Supporting local food growing and redistribution initiatives and organisations
  -Working with Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Organisations on the development of its food strategy
  -The production of a roadmap and future food strategy, which will set out a pathway and priorities for our food system
This report aims to contribute to these ambitions and to improve the resilience and reduce climate impacts of food procurement, using examples of best practice from national and international settings. A list of 22 recommendations were distilled from 20 interviews with participants from across food supply chains, public procurement decision makers, sustainable food advocates and a review of the relevant literature.