Belfast recognised as Sustainable Food City

Belfast is one of just five UK cities to be recognised at this year's Sustainable Food Cities Awards. The city was one of four to win the scheme's bronze award, while just one location took home the programme's silver award. Sustainable Food Cities is a network that encourages groups to work together to make their areas known for healthy and sustainable food. The bronze award recognises the work carried out across the city by Belfast Food Network's 450 members to address problems including obesity and diet-related ill-health. Initiatives such as the Public Health Agency's 'Choose to Live Better' campaign, Belfast City Council's food waste collection, and school 'Healthy Snack' policies all contributed to Belfast being recognised as a sustainable food city. The network has also helped artisan enterprises to develop business. Belfast's network chairman Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said "I'd like to thank every single member of the Belfast Food Network for their hardwork and commitment in securing the award and chief executive Kerry Melville for her enthusiasm in leading the activities. "It's fantastic to receive it during the 'Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink' and we look forward to building on this strong foundation in the coming years."