We are committed to supporting change and developing a thriving, local food economy.
The Sustainable Food Directory aims to promote the huge variety of sustainable food businesses operating in and around Edinburgh. It provides a guide for residents, visitors, businesses and organisations to find out where to access delicious food from sustainable businesses in the area.
Organisations included in the directory are based in the Lothians and the surrounding areas, and are taking action on sustainability. They cover farmers, growers, fruit/veg box schemes, food producers such as bakers, cookery class providers, wholesalers, food retailers, caterers and hospitality businesses.
Click to find out about the criteria for sustainable food businesses
- Growing seasonal food using nature and climate friendly methods, such as Soil Association Organic, Leaf Marque, Biodynamic, Pasture for Life, higher animal welfare or other agroecological/ regenerative practices
- Selling/ serving food which is:
- Produced in Edinburgh, the Lothians or the surrounding area, seasonal and/or
- Produced to higher environmental, social or animal welfare standards such as organic, Leaf Marque, Rainforest Alliance, RSPO certified palm oil, MSC certified fish and seafood, Fairtrade, free range, Pasture for Life, RSPCA Assured or similar.
- Making products with ingredients which are:
- Produced in Edinburgh, the Lothians or the surrounding area, seasonal and/or
- Produced to the higher environmental, social or animal welfare standards listed above
- Producing, serving or selling a selection of appealing, plant-based options
- Actively working to reduce their food and packaging waste and distribute their surplus food to the community
- Supporting the local community through for example being Living Wage accredited, supporting local causes, serving healthy options and buying from local, small and medium sized businesses
- Promoting local and seasonal produce and/or wider sustainability initiatives
Guidance
What category do you want to be listed under in the Edinburgh Sustainable Food Directory?
Veg, Food or Meal Box
Services that provide a locally sourced, vegetables, fruit or meals to prepare at home or a pre-prepared meal that you reheat.
Food Shop or Retailer
Offering locally sourced, organic, fairtrade and ethically produced food with a focus on reducing the environmental impacts of your business.
Restaurant, Bar, Cafe or Catering
A café or other venue where food served is sourced locally with food produced to higher environmental, social or animal welfare standards is also available. Measures are being taken to reduce the environmental impact of your business, for example through energy efficiency measures, reducing food miles ,waste and packaging or using compostable packaging.
Food Bank, Food Pantry or Food Support
Community based services, food banks offer support via a referral process. Food Pantries can be locally based or operate as a pop-up in schools or community centres. They offer a range of food at low prices and other related services for members.
Market, Stall, Pop-Up or Food Truck
A caterer or food retailer who sets up a temporary food stall at markets, events or venues, serving locally sourced, organic, fairtrade or other ethically produced food.
Grower, Producer or Supplier
A food grower in any scale of business or community group; food producer or a supplier who distributes products to other businesses. The food should be produced using organic or sustainable growing practices and/or growing with nature.
Growing Space or Project
Community gardens, allotments, and other growing spaces where there is an emphasis on food growing with organic or reduced chemical use and growing with nature practices.
Cookery Skills or Training
Services that offer opportunities to gain cooking skills or food related training.
Food Recycling
Services that offer information and practical resources to help with food recycling.
Other
Any other food related activity (please detail).
Which of the following do you offer?
Local produce
Vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, dairy and other food items that are sourced in Edinburgh, the Lothians or the surrounding area.
Free or low-cost food
For community initiatives or social enterprises.
Community initiative
Projects and activities that are area based, may involve volunteers and are usually free or at low cost for participants.
Organic or Fairtrade
The food produced or sold it to higher, environmental, social or animal welfare standards such as such as organic, Leaf Marque, Rainforest Alliance, RSPO certified palm oil, MSC certified fish and seafood, Fairtrade, free range, Pasture for Life, RSPCA Assured or similar.
Vegan and Vegetarian
There are vegetarian and vegan choices and products in your food range.
Plastic-free packaging
An emphasis on reducing the amount of single-use plastic packaging.
Refill service
Food products sold from refill stations to customers who are encouraged to bring their own jars or containers.
Takeaway or Delivery
You offer food to take away which a customer collects from your business or delivery.
Growing skills or advice
Workshops or open days to encourage and support local growers.
Cookery classes
Classes to increase skills and nurture an interest in making healthy food choices.
Other
Having problems?
The Edinburgh Sustainable Food Directory is under construction – if you are unsure about any part of the entry form please get in touch