Anna Clayton shares what to expect from North Lancashire’s FoodFutures networks in 2026.
The darker and colder months of the year are a great time to slow down, reflect on how things are going and set fresh intentions for the year ahead.
As we look forward to 2026, FoodFutures working groups are preparing and developing plans for supporting the region in working towards a Gold Sustainable Food Places Award and by doing this, continue to grow our sustainable food futures here in North Lancashire.
As part of this the partnership is planning a ‘golden’ FoodFutures event on Wednesday 25 February, a two week Spring Into Action programme of activities (20 April until 1 May) and a harvest feast as part of the September Share The Harvest festival. Readers of this column are all warmly invited to join all these events!
A wider calendar of events and activities is also starting to emerge, with the aim of supporting more connections and skill sharing across Lancaster District and our local food system. These include Lancaster’s Potato Day on January 31, featuring an annual seed swap, an array of community food stalls and drop in governance advice for allotment committees.
This event will also mark the start of a crowdfunding campaign to support the implementation of the Summerhouse Community Farm permaculture design over the next year.
Throughout the year, the Food Champions network will host regular induction sessions that introduce FoodFutures’ work and aims, whilst supporting attendees in finding their place within this network.
For some, this may involve joining the FoodFriends small society lottery scheme, joining a strategic working group, or helping out at an event or practical work day. For others it may involve writing articles for THRIVE Magazine, distributing leaflets or volunteering with a local community food project.
2026 will see the continuation of the Growing Food and Community training programme, monthly citizen journalism sessions and the Closing Loops team will continue developing loopy projects, including another round of Pots of Possibility funding, composting workshops, gleaning trips, seasonal markets and cooking workshops.
We can’t wait for it all and hope you will join in!
You can find more FoodFutures activities on the events calendar.
Did you know you could add your own food related events too? Just email marketing@lessuk.org.
