A SUSTAINABLE food project is set to launch in the Wee County with the aim of addressing food insecurity.

NHS Forth Valley is teaming up with Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI) as well as the local authority to become part of the UK-wide Sustainable Food Places Network.

The project will run under the banner Clacks Good Food with virtual events already being organised for Wee County residents and businesses.

Dr Rhonda Archibald, of NHS Forth Valley, said: "We have all experienced enormous change over the last year – food has been a critical part of our lives and we want people to be able to get access to affordable food and share skills to cook using the best local produce or grow their own if they can, and help people at the same time reduce waste and save money.

"We want to help improve the food systems so everyone benefits in Clackmannanshire."

The project will be looking to build on changes in the Clacks food system which have been ongoing during the coronavirus pandemic, explained those behind the initiative.

While issues around food insecurity became evident, with many turning to foodbanks and others unable to go to the shops when self-isolating or shielding, the pandemic has also fostered new partnerships and enabled community enterprises to flourish in response.

More and more people turned to producing food within their communities or in their own gardens during the warmer months of the first lockdown.

Clacks Good Food hopes to build on that, bringing about real change in the area's food systems by working toward joining the Sustainable Food Places awards scheme.

To kickstart the project, the partnering organisations are keen to hear from residents, businesses and producers across the county on what is going well, what needs to change and what matters to them.

The aim is to eat and cook better food together, grow more, reduce waste and save money.

A range of community conversations will start next Friday, April 23, with people of all ages, community groups, allotment associations, health workers and more invited to get involved.

An online discussion will start at 10am on the day with Dr Archibald helping to lead the conversation.

Those interested can visit bit.ly/3wFJrxJ to sign up for the event.

People can also follow @clacksgoodfood on Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with the project.

Families and individuals are also being encouraged to share photos of food they are cooking and the vegetables they are growing with prizes for the best ones being sent in.

To share pictures, email eilidh.nimmo@ctsi.org.uk