Islington Food Assembly, Looking Ahead
Since facilitating Islington’s first Food Assembly on the 27th January, where 70 residents, organisations and businesses came together to discuss challenges and solutions around food, Octopus, the Islington Climate Centre and Islington Food Partnership have been busy compiling your suggestions and actions.
We’ve found that lots of what you discussed is already happening in the borough, so we have compiled a list, against the actions and key topics discussed on the day so you can get involved in what’s already going on. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but we hope it gives you somewhere to start. If you know of something that is missing, let us know!
We’re busy looking at where there might still be gaps, and where new ideas could be explored that work to solve the issues we discussed on the day. If you’d like to explore new ideas, or have more to share, do get in touch!
It was fantastic to be joined by so many people in January, and to hear the enthusiasm, ideas and energy around food in Islington. We hope this list helps you connect with local initiatives and keep that momentum going.
RIGHT TO GROW
Right to Grow Networks
Join the Islington Right to Grow WhatsApp Community
Get involved in the next Right to Grow meeting on the 16th April, 6.30pm at the Islington Ecology Centre.
Join the London Right to Grow WhatsApp Community, and Mailing list
Just some of Islington’s wonderful Community Growing Groups:
Events
Octopus facilitates quarterly Community Growers meetings where groups can share resources, knowledge and challenges - our next get together is on the 11th April, 2 - 4pm at the Community Plant Nursery. Join this Whatsapp Group for all the latest and to get involved.
Upcoming orchard workshops, sign up here. Join this WhatsApp group to get involved in orchard care.
Get involved in the yearly Islington in Bloom competition, entries open on the 1st May. Find out more here.
Islington Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale will take place on the 11th May at Olden Gardens, find out more and become a member on their website.
FOOD WASTE
Reducing Food Waste
Small Change, Big Difference runs campaigns across London promoting sustainable eating and reducing food waste.
Jean’s Café shares tips and runs workshops on reducing household food waste (see their Instagram and Facebook for upcoming events).
The North London Waste Association has awarded six community groups funding to deliver Bin Less Save More workshops within their communities during 2026, find out more here.
Composting
Community compost hubs at the Mildmay Community Centre and Octopus Community Plant Nursery.
Watch the Octopus video on creating a composting hub here
Islington Council offers subsidised compost bins (more info here)
SUPPLY CHAINS AND COMMUNITY FOOD
Food Co-operatives
You can find information and support for starting or joining an existing food co-op here.
Islington Food Cooperative Network
Buying Local Produce
Local Veg Boxes:
Local Shops and Markets:
Stoke Newington Farmers’ Market
Food Redistribution
The Felix Project redistributes surplus food to charities, food banks and schools across London.
You can volunteer or get involved here.
Find Local Projects
The Islington Food Partnership has an interactive map showing local food projects looking for volunteers.
ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AND HEALTHY FOOD
Community Food Pantries
See all the latest information about local food provision on the Islington Food Partnership website
SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES
Cooking Workshops
Public Procurement
Plant-Based Schools, campaigns for schools to adopt plant-based food and runs events in London.