University of West London

Nourish Ealing: Sustaining our community and the planet through food partnerships

The University of West London (UWL), in collaboration with local community organisations Act for Ealing, Ealing Transition, and the Ealing Food Partnership (EFP), hosted a five-part event series on sustainable food in the London borough of Ealing and supported the launch of a new EFP website.

The aim of this project was to encourage and develop sustainable food systems within Ealing, bringing together UWL academics, students, and local community organisations, to tackle challenges such as food insecurity, food inequality and climate change. Utilising UWL’s facilities and academic/industry expertise, these community organisations were able expand their audiences. Reaching 500+ members of the local community, students and staff members through a blend of educational film screenings and in-person workshops. The majority of which were delivered free of charge.

Attendees were taught information on how food is affecting the environment, and proactive and innovative cooking and farming techniques to address these issues in their own lives.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Collaboration is key: it brings innovative ideas and practical skills, which the community can utilise.
2. Money (doesn’t) talk: sustainability often has a financial premium; but it doesn’t need to.
3. Education for good: universities’ power can be harnessed for the good of all.