It has been a real privilege to travel across Europe and learn from our partners about food sharing in all its forms. We are part of the Cultivate project, a pan-European initiative that brings together organisations to share ideas, inspire innovation and promote best practice in food sharing.
Our latest trip took us to Utrecht, where we explored edible landscapes, community gardens and neighbourhood-led food projects. I was especially pleased to be joined by two volunteers from Growing Hollingdean, who have been involved in our Edible Brighton & Hove project.
From industrial agriculture to sustainable food
Our visit began at VIV Europe, a huge international agricultural expo in the centre of Utrecht. The scale of the event was astonishing, with enormous exhibition halls showcasing the latest in industrial agriculture. There were vast displays of poultry-processing equipment alongside companies proudly describing themselves as “Europe’s largest egg producers.”
We were part of a much smaller section dedicated to sustainable food futures. At times, it felt like we were a tiny drop in the ocean, talking about community food systems while surrounded by the other 99.9% of the modern industrial food system.
It certainly prompted some reflection. Was this the right place for us? Perhaps it was encouraging that the organisers recognised the importance of including conversations about sustainability alongside mainstream agriculture. Even so, many of us felt as though we’d been taken out of our natural habitat.
Visiting an edible neighbourhood
Next, we visited the Rijnvliet Edible Neighbourhood, which originally inspired our own Edible Brighton & Hove project.
Here, edible planting was designed into the neighbourhood from the very beginning. Alongside the new homes came edible front gardens, food forests, productive play spaces and fruit-lined walkways. Rather than being an afterthought, food growing is woven into everyday life.
Today, people actively choose to move to the area because of its strong sense of community and the opportunities to grow, share and enjoy food together. Local residents even lead regular foraging walks, and we were lucky enough to join one, tasting the abundance growing all around us.
“One of our main reflections was the idea of an ‘Edible Neighbourhood’. Seeing the project in Utrecht inspired us to think about whether Growing Hollingdean could develop a similar identity and approach within our own community.”
— Jo-Seph and Hilary, Growing Hollingdean
Celebrating food sharing
On our final day, we took part in a community marketplace organised by Grounded Community, a youth movement promoting more sustainable lifestyles—with plenty of celebration mixed in.
They have transformed an old fort on the outskirts of Utrecht into a vibrant community space, complete with a bunker, gardens and outdoor gathering areas surrounded by water.
The event brought together food-sharing initiatives from across Europe alongside local organisations from Utrecht. We hosted a small stall showcasing our work in Brighton and enjoyed meeting people doing similar work in very different places.
What stood out most was the atmosphere. The organisers made sustainability feel joyful. We even started the day with a group dance; to a vegetable-themed dub track, no less!
“One practical idea we would like to try is introducing a short warm-up activity at the start of volunteer sessions. We enjoyed the dancing activity at the market and felt it created a positive and welcoming atmosphere.”
— Jo-Seph and Hilary, Growing Hollingdean
The day also included workshops on permaculture, drumming, foraging, tea ceremonies and a shared polenta feast. Throughout the event, people shared stories of their projects, exchanging ideas, challenges and practical solutions. It was a reminder that while every community is different, many of us are working towards the same goals.
What are we bringing back to Brighton?
For me, the biggest takeaway from Utrecht wasn’t just the inspiring projects; it was the way they brought people together.
The events we attended were full of warmth, creativity and celebration. There was space to learn, but also to laugh, eat together, dance and enjoy being part of something bigger. It reminded me that building sustainable food systems isn’t only about growing food or changing policies; it’s also about creating communities where people genuinely enjoy spending time together.
As we continue developing Edible Brighton & Hove, I’d love us to hold on to that spirit.
Sometimes we can become so focused on the challenges that we forget to celebrate what we’ve already achieved. If we want more people to get involved, we need to make it fun, welcoming and full of joy.
After all, sharing food has always been about much more than the food itself.
“We were impressed by the range of citizen engagement tools and interactive activities used to involve local people. The games and engagement methods encouraged participation and helped residents feel connected to local projects and decision-making.
Another key reflection was the importance of building stronger volunteer networks and community connections, particularly with young people and people from diverse backgrounds. The visit prompted us to think about how we can broaden participation and strengthen community ownership of local food-growing projects.” — Jo-Seph and Hilary, Growing Hollingdean
