A new fund to promote sustainable food events in London was launched today by the London Development Agency and London Food Link.

The £70,000 small grant scheme will provide an essential boost for organisations in London, to help them increase public awareness of sustainable food. The fund will help deliver the Mayor’s Food Strategy Implementation Plan, published in September 2007, which aims to create a world class, sustainable, food system for Londoners right along the food chain from production to retail.

Grants from £500 to £5000 will be available for a wide range of sustainable food events from helping restaurateurs to buy local organic produce to showcasing sustainable food at community events.

Jenny Jones, Chair of London Food, believes the Sustainable Food Events programme couldn't have come at a better time: "People are increasingly concerned about issues surrounding the environmental and social effects of food and are ready to do something about it. The grants will encourage businesses and consumers to buy fresher, healthier and more affordable food while reducing the environmental impact of London's current food supply".

Ben Reynolds of London Food Link added: "This is a great opportunity for London's community groups and small food businesses to put on events that really connect local people with where their food comes from, how it is grown and the personalities that work to make it fresh and affordable."

Businesses that don’t become sustainable in their food choices run the risk of losing customers as sustainability becomes a more important issue for consumers.

For further information contact author Charlie Willsmore on 020 7837 1228 or 07890 030 238 or email Charlie@sustainweb.org