About Our Network
Leeds FAN is part of FoodWise Leeds. This city-wide campaign, run by Leeds Food Partnership, supports and promotes good food initiatives across Leeds. It is connected to the national Food Power organisation and the West Yorkshire Food Poverty Network.
Our Background & History
The journey of Leeds FAN began in late 2010, when various initiatives helping the homeless community started discussing how to work together more effectively. This led to the creation of the "Homeless Mapping Document," a vital tool that allowed front-line workers to signpost vulnerable people to food aid across the city.
By 2013, with substantial start-up funding from Leeds City Council, the network was officially established. Its first meeting was held at the Civic Hall in January 2014. Today, we continue to facilitate communication between businesses, churches, and institutions to tackle food poverty together.
Former Lord Mayor Cllr Murray, Former Councillor John Hardy, Mary Halsey and Dave Paterson from Unity in Poverty Action (UPA). Picture is from the Yorkshire Evening Post Website.
West Yorkshire Food Poverty Network
The West Yorkshire Food Poverty Network exists to bring together representatives from across the region to tackle food insecurity more effectively. Key priorities include:
Collaboration
Developing local networks that bring together providers, agency workers, and authorities to enact practical collaboration on the ground.
Tackling Root Causes
Addressing the root causes of food poverty through effective signposting and advice on debt, welfare, and healthcare.
Effective Distribution
Ensuring food is distributed efficiently across the region by working with key distributors like FareShare Yorkshire and Rethink Food.