On World Food Day 2025, the first Blaenau Gwent Food Summit was held at Bedwellty House in Tredegar, bringing together community groups, local growers, businesses, public services, and passionate individuals for a day of celebration, collaboration, and conversation around food.
The event was organised by Blaenau Gwent Council, together with the Blaenau Gwent Food Partnership. With a packed agenda of panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, the event highlighted the borough’s commitment to building a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable local food system.
The Council is committed to working with partners and the local community to create and support a fairer, more equitable place to live for all by ensuring access to healthy, affordable food with dignity, strengthening community and business food networks, and building sustainable food practices that support the environment and nature.
Highlights of the day included:
• A panel discussion on the Food Partnership’s new local Community Food Strategy, spotlighting local success stories and future ambitions
• Hands-on workshops including Food Insecurity, Healthy Food in the Public Sector, and Castell Howell on delivering good food across Wales
• Engaging sessions on climate, nature, and third sector engagement in food growing, including a Walled Garden Tour with Apple Juicing from Sirhowy Hill Woodlands
The event also provided valuable networking opportunities and a platform for grassroots voices to be heard, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to community-led change and to improving wellbeing through reducing inequality to make sure every child and young person has the best start in life and the opportunity to thrive.
Councillor Sonia Behr, Climate Champion for Blaenau Gwent Council, says:
“The Food Summit is a brilliant example of how local partnerships can work together to drive positive change. As a Marmot area, it’s really inspiring to see so many people come together to share ideas and commit to taking action for a healthier, more sustainable food future in Blaenau Gwent.”
Pictured is local grain grown by a community organisation in Cwmtillery, Blaenau Gwent, Pentref Tyleri. 