Central England Co-operative is joining the Co-op Party to raise awareness of its food justice campaign at the Greenbelt Festival – a three-day event dedicated to the arts, faith and socal justice.
The festival – held on 23-26 August at Broughton House, Northants, features appearances from comedian-turned-activist Russell Brand, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and singer Lucy Spraggan, and is expected to attract 10,000 people.
Joining the line-up is Central England chief executive Debbie Robinson, who will takes the stage on the Saturday at 12.30pm to discuss the society’s work with the Co-op Party to campaign for food justice.
She said: “I am delighted that our society is not only backing a great event like Greenbelt, but is joining forces with the Co-op Party to take on the issue of food justice.
“We will be appealing to all festival goers to back the petition by the Co-op Party that is aiming to enact change both nationally and locally and to play a part in helping to restore common decency for all – something that starts with the fight for food justice and ensuring that everyone can access good quality, affordable food.
“My message to everyone attending Greenbelt is simple. Come and see us at The Exchange, hear some great talks by people associated with our fantastic Society and sign the Co-op Party’s petition and help us achieve food justice.”
The Party’s food justice campaign aims to eradicate hunger and ensure that everyone in the UK can make healthy food choices. It calls for the incorporation of the UN’s second Sustainable Development Goal – Zero Hunger – into domestic law through a Food Bill in England and in Scotland.
In addition, the Party is urging the Welsh government include a food justice in the new ‘national milestones’ it is pledging for Wales.
James Butler, campaigns officer for the Party, said: “We are pleased to be linking up with Central England Co-op to take on the important issue of food justice at the Greenbelt Festival.
“We echo the words of chief executive Debbie Robinson and urge everyone in attendance to sign our petition and help make sure people do not go hungry.”
Central England’s corporate responsibility manager Hannah Gallimore and Simone Connolly, from FareShare East Midlands, will also speak at the festival, explaining how their organisations are tackling food waste and support those in need.
In a separate talk, Central England director Richard Bickle will discuss the impact of co-ops on the British economy, exploring what makes them unique and effective.
