‘All good things must come to an end’ – Bristol Food Union draws to a close

The team that led a project launched as an emergency response to the pandemic have made the decision to draw it to a close.

When Bristol Food Union was founded in March 2020, the impact of Covid-19 was being felt across the globe, people were instructed to stay indoors and hospitality businesses were closed almost overnight.

In the face of these unprecedented challenges, the enterprise aimed to support Bristol’s independent hospitality sector and ensure the most vulnerable had enough good quality food.

Bristol Food Union lobbied councils and government, offered community and collaboration to members, delivered thousands of community food boxes and supported hospitality recruitment.

But, following discussions over the last couple of weeks, the union has decided to end its activities.

https://twitter.com/bristolfooduni/status/1491818800504844294

Posted on their social media, the enterprise wrote: “Bristol Food Union was launched as an immediate response to an emergency situation.

“Over the last two years, we have raised and spent over £200,000 to provide food to vulnerable communities, support our independent hospitality sector, run the No More No Shows campaign, and help the recruitment crisis with Food Jobs Friday”

The news comes just over a month after the outgoing director of the union, Aine Morris, warned our city’s food and drink industry that “normal is not coming back” and said that advocating for Bristol’s restaurants has recently “become a struggle”.

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Read more: ‘We need a complete overhaul of what it means to run a food business’

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Bristol Food Union was founded as an informal collective of restaurants, food businesses and community food organisations, and grew to become a non-profit social enterprise.

They added: “We remain very proud of everyone, and everything that was achieved under the most difficult of circumstances.”

“The way this city came together to feed people during the pandemic is a shining example of what’s possible when local government, public and industry all collaborate effectively. “

“It’s so long from us, but keep your eyes on the #BristolFood skies. There are plenty of independents that will need your support over the coming months.

“Luckily, the best way you can help is to shop, cook and eat your way through Bristol’s good food landscape.”

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Main photo: James Koch

Read more: In photos: The amazing work of Bristol Food Union 

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