The Barnsley Food Network was set up in 2005 by the Fit for the Future Food Co-ordinator. Funding was obtained from 'Communities for Health' in which Barnsley was one of the pilot projects. The network aims to encourage a shared vision for local food and the promotion of a safe and healthy diet. There are currently 270 people on the membership database with membership being diverse. It includes those working in health, the local authority, the community and voluntary sector as well as local food producers and businesses. The network has provided the opportunity for these different organisations, agencies and individuals working on food issues from the 'field to plate' (including breastfeeding) to come together to provide support and to share resources and information. They are able to work on ways to overcome the food related issues that the population of Barnsley faces. As a result, links between local food projects with local food producers and businesses have been strengthened and new and continued partnership working around food has been encouraged ensuring that action and change takes place to support some of the borough's health, social, economic and environmental goals.

The food network offers:

Quarterly half day meetings that encourage networking. These usually have a guest speaker to talk about a specific food related topic.

A quarterly newsletter to update members on what is happening both locally and nationally

The latest information on food and nutrition including training opportunities through the Barnsley Food Network website www.barnsleyfoodnetwork.org.uk

A regularly updated Barnsley Food Directory to identify local food business and where local food is sold as well as food projects and useful contact information.

A Yahoo! email contact group to encourage networking between meetings.

For more information visit the website www.barnsleyfoodnetwork.org.uk