How did we start?
The Andover Sustainable Food Partnership (AFP) began from early conversations in 2021 with local community projects, developing into working partnerships to create a holistic vision where every organisation and initiative working together to put sustainability, localism and community at the heart of our approach.
Our Vision
AFP unites organisations from across sectors and the food system, including catering, procurement, community gardens, SMEs, voluntary and faith-based organisations, cafes and supermarkets. The depth and breadth of expertise enables partners to share best practice, opportunity for sustainability, food security, health and nutrition.
This allows AFP to connect expertise and community engagement facilitating a whole-systems approach to food.
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To join up stakeholders to connect the community with food systems
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To keep food local, promoting sustainability across the supply chain
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Engaging and empowering the community in a range of activities, facilitating collaboration between public, private and VCSO sectors, and avoiding duplication
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Promoting the partnership values and vision of a whole-systems approach, emphasising the intersection of healthy food with the climate, well-being, community and an intergenerational approach to community-led action
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To develop an approach which is specific to the needs and identify of Andover as a place, including its unique traditions as a historic market town
Steering Group Members
Emma Wilkinson
Emma is the Strategic Funding Lead for Andover Parish. Having previously worked in academia, most recently as a Researcher at Winchester University, she brings expertise in the fields of health and wellbeing, and community development projects.
“During my time at Winchester University, I engaged in a variety of research projects, one of which introduced me to the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership. This initiative helped revitalize their local economy and bolstered community resilience by emphasizing the importance of place, and fostering often unexpected alliances across different sectors.
What really excites me is the prospect of uncovering opportunities, exploring possibilities, and devising solutions. The strength of a food partnership lies in its ability to unify a community, addressing core issues like social isolation and poverty, and forging a strong, place-based identity.
I am excited to contribute to the Andover Sustainable Food Partnership as I believe it represents a chance to adopt a more collaborative and strategic approach to food systems. Andover has many brilliant resources, from its chalk streams to farms, schools, and food businesses. By nurturing these connections, we have the opportunity to build a stronger, more vibrant and diverse food economy for the benefit of all living in and around Andover.”
Kathryn Uren
Kat is Engagement Coordinator at the Cooperative in Andover, where she fundraises, supports the community, and connects partners particularly across the retail and charity sectors.
“As a business we look to do things as sustainably as possible – to be good to our environment. We also do what we can to support our local communities.
At the Coop we provide compostable shopping bags, and encourage recycling of squashable plastics (such as bread bags) using dedicated bins at our stores. And we support the improvement of land overseas through our fairtrade activities.
I’ve joined the food partnership on behalf of my depot to offer my time and support.”
Hayley Heinze
Hayley brings skills and experience from her role as the Food Insecurity Partnerships Officer at Hampshire County Council (HCC).
At HCC, she looks at the provision of food support across Hampshire, looking at food banks, pantries, learning to cook sessions and community growing schemes. She connects organisations and partnerships – always looking at ways to promote sustainability and the opportunities to develop partnerships.
“I am motivated by having a positive impact in reducing food insecurity for those finding themselves in need. Having an impact on this problem is aided by using networks to think about how we are using food surplus and supporting communities.
The partnership is an exciting opportunity to help promote sustainability across food systems in and around Andover. I’m a believer in using resources through sharing knowledge and work practices, and that’s what the partnership is all about.”
Wendy Masterson
Wendy is the Business Community Lead for Unity. She brings skills and expertise from supporting those who are most in need over the last twenty years. She has delivered in the field of health and well being, helping to assist those to live well.
'Leading on from the design and delivery of community pantries in Hampshire, helping to prevent food waste and support those in need, I am keen to build and support a strong and long lasting food partnership. One that helps to engage, empower and promote alliances of communities, businesses and people to reduce food waste, develop projects and build partnerships.'
Organisations supporting AFP
