Engaging with hundreds of people from across Carmarthenshire, Bwyd Sir Gâr Food has worked with them to develop a food charter, that reflected what people want from a food system in the 21st century.
The Charter
- Support Carmarthenshire’s farmers and growers to thrive
- Healthy and sustainable diets for all
- Food at the centre of our communities
- A diverse, secure and resilient local food system fit for future generations
- An end to food waste and pollution
- Celebration of Carmarthenshire’s rich food heritage and food future
You can help to make this a reality.
To support these goals, we’ve established some simple pledges that people and organisations across Carmarthenshire can make to make our food more local, sustainable and healthy.
We’re asking people to pledge to:
- Buy more local and sustainable food
- Eat a healthier and more sustainable diet
- Cook more from scratch
- Grow my own veg or herbs
- Help put food at the heart of the community
- Waste less
- Celebrate Our Food Story
Developing the Bwyd Sir Gâr Food Charter
From May 2024-May 2025 ‘food conversation’ workshops were held across the county so that lots of people could have a say in developing the charter. These looked at the problems in the food system including: health impacts, wellbeing, community cohesion, culture, fair trade, food security, inequality of access to healthy and sustainable food, and the impact of food production on nature and climate.
These conversations often happened alongside different food related activities including growing, cooking, meal sharing and creative activities to create a relaxed environment which helped people to share their views.
More than 225 people of all ages and backgrounds participated in sessions across the county including residents, school pupils and community groups who all shared what they wanted from Carmarthenshire’s 21st century food system.
These were:
| Charter | Pledge | Actions |
| 1. Support local producers and a resilient food economy | Support Carmarthenshire’s farmers, growers, and food producers by choosing local and sustainable food whenever I can | – Shop at local farmers’ markets, farm shops, or independent retailers – Choose Welsh produce in supermarkets – Subscribe to a local veg box or food delivery scheme – Ask restaurants and cafés about their local sourcing – Share and celebrate local food businesses on social media |
| 2. Promote healthier, more sustainable diets for all | Make food choices that are good for my health and the planet – by eating more seasonal vegetable centred meals, reducing food waste | – Eat more vegetables, pulses, and whole grains – Choose seasonal and locally grown produce – Reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) – Cut down on food waste by planning meals and using leftovers – Support food initiatives that make healthy food accessible to all |
| 3. Reconnect People with Cooking and Food Skills | Cook more meals from scratch using fresh, local ingredients – reducing waste, improving my health, and celebrating the flavours and traditions of Carmarthenshire | – Try one new home-cooked recipe each week – Cook with seasonal produce from local markets and shops – Involve children or family members in meal prep – Batch cook and freeze meals to save time and reduce waste – Share your favourite home-cooked meals with friends or neighbours |
| 4. Encourage Food Growing at Every Level | Grow my own vegetables, herbs, or fruit – whether in a garden, on a windowsill, or in a shared community space. I will reconnect with where my food comes from and help build a greener, more resilient Carmarthenshire | – Start with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, mint, or chives – Plant salad leaves or tomatoes in pots or containers – Join a local community garden or allotment – Grow food with children at home or in school – Share seeds, tips, or surplus produce with neighbours – Set up a community growing project |
| 5. Put Food at the Heart of Community Life | Use food as a way to connect with others, support those in need, and strengthen my community – by sharing meals, volunteering, and taking part in local food initiatives that bring people together | – Host or join a community meal or food event – Volunteer at a food bank, pantry, or community kitchen – Support or start a community fridge or food share scheme – Help out in a school or community garden – Donate surplus produce or meals to neighbours or local charities |
| 6. Champion a Zero-Waste, Low-Impact Food Culture | Reduce food waste and pollution by planning meals, using leftovers, composting food scraps, and choosing low-impact packaging. I will do my part to protect our environment and build a circular food system for future generations | – Plan meals and shop with a list to avoid overbuying – Store food properly to extend shelf life – Use up leftovers creatively – Compost food scraps at home or through a local scheme – Choose products with minimal or compostable packaging – Support businesses that reduce waste and donate surplus food |
| 7. Celebrate Carmarthenshire’s Food Heritage and Future | Celebrate Carmarthenshire’s rich food traditions and support its vibrant food future – by sharing local recipes, championing Welsh produce, and celebrating the creativity and culture that make our food unique | – Cook and share traditional Carmarthenshire or Welsh recipes – Support local food festivals and events – Tell stories about local food producers or family food traditions – Try new, innovative food products made in the region – Encourage young people to explore food heritage and careers in food |
Support these aims and join our movement by taking a good food pledge