Burnley is one of 45 local authority areas selected to take part in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) programme, which was announced yesterday (30th September 2026)
Subject to formal funding arrangements and approval by Burnley Council’s Executive, the £222,000 allocation will support work in the borough through to March 2029.
The programme aims to strengthen local food systems, improve access to affordable and nutritious food and help communities become more resilient.
In Burnley, the funding will provide an opportunity to build on existing support including the borough’s Community Grocers, the local food network and Burnley Together’s work with families.
The Council will work with local partners to develop a detailed delivery plan once further guidance is received from Defra, with a focus on complementing existing services rather than duplicating them.
Councillor Martyn Hurt, Burnley Council’s portfolio holder for Health, Leisure and Culture, said:
“This is very welcome news for Burnley and an important opportunity to build on the excellent work already taking place across the borough.
“We know that the cost of food continues to put pressure on household budgets, and being able to access affordable, nutritious food can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
“This funding will allow us to work with our partners and communities to strengthen what is already available, from our Community Grocers and local food network to the support provided through Burnley Together.
“We particularly want to look at how this can support families, improve nutrition and help children develop healthier eating habits that can benefit them in the longer term.”
Improving family nutrition and tackling childhood obesity are already priorities for Burnley’s Health and Wellbeing Partnership. Existing initiatives include the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which combines nutritious food with activities and opportunities for children and parents to get involved in food preparation.
The Good Food Neighbourhoods programme is intended to support activities which improve access to healthy and affordable food for vulnerable residents, strengthen local food resilience, create opportunities for communities to connect through food, and improve health and nutrition outcomes.
Burnley Council’s Executive is due to consider acceptance of the £222,000 allocation at its meeting on 21st October 2026. The funding is expected to be available for delivery up to March 2029.
Post expires at 4:12pm on Friday January 1st, 2027