New Grants Available to Support Sustainable Food Systems
July 27, 2026Funding aims to strengthen food systems and reduce food insecurity
Grants ranging from £2.5 million to £7 million are now available for projects across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales that aim to enhance food systems and tackle food insecurity. The funding is provided by The National Lottery Community Fund and focuses on supporting initiatives that promote sustainable and equitable food production and distribution.
Objectives of the Climate Action Fund – Food Systems
The fund seeks to back projects that work with nature to develop resilient and sustainable food systems, an approach known as agroecology. It also prioritises addressing the root causes of long-term food system challenges through systems change, rather than simply treating symptoms.
Projects applying for this funding must contribute to systems change in one or more of the following ways:
- Community organisations growing and producing food using agroecological methods
- Improving the distribution of food to ensure equitable access to healthy, affordable options for all
- Providing diverse food options, particularly targeting those experiencing poverty, disadvantage, or discrimination
Eligibility and Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Work in partnership with other organisations
- Make a lasting impact on climate change, the environment, and nature
- Significantly increase access to healthy, affordable food, especially for disadvantaged communities
- Have clear plans to measure the impact of their work
- Have strategies to communicate the project’s story to inspire others
- Demonstrate meaningful involvement of communities and organisations representing those communities in the project
Funding Details and Project Duration
Applicants can request a minimum of £2.5 million over a period of three years. Most funded projects are expected to receive between £3 million and £5 million and run for five to seven years. The fund anticipates supporting up to ten projects in its first year.
Further information, including detailed funding aims and criteria, is available on The National Lottery Community Fund’s website.
