A project which includes The Marlene Reid Centre in Coalville has been recognised with a prestigious national award.

The Leicestershire County Council-run Good Food Leicestershire (GFL), which works to tackle issues from food poverty to diet-related ill-health, has been named a bronze award winner in a competition run by Sustainable Food Places.

GLF's application highlighted the varied projects and partnerships making a positive difference to the county food system. 

These projects included The Marlene Reid Centre with cookery classes, food shop, signposting and links with food distributor Oakland International at Bardon

Councillor Louise Richardson, the county council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "It's a great achievement for sustainable food in Leicestershire and we are proud of all the work taking place across the county, involving various partners and stakeholders.

"From farming to foodbanks, cookery classes to community food growing, efforts to reduce food waste, promote healthy eating or support for local producers, there are so many people doing vital work – and this work will also help reduce the cost of living."    

The Marlene Reid Xentre in Coalville forms part of the project. Photo: Coalville Nub News

Gavin Fletcher, GFL co-ordinator, said: "This award identifies the collective work of many volunteers, charities, groups and businesses throughout the seven districts of Leicestershire.

"These projects involve hundreds of people and help many thousands more.

"We hope this bronze award will also encourage others to get involved."

Leon Ballin, Sustainable Food Places' Programme Manager, said: "Good Food Leicestershire has shown just what can be achieved when creative and committed people work together to make healthy and sustainable food a defining characteristic of where they live.

"While there is still much to do and many challenges to overcome, the Leicestershire partnership has helped to set a benchmark for the other 80 plus members of the UK Sustainable Food Places Network to follow.

"We look forward to working with them over the months and years ahead to transform Leicestershire's food system for the better."