The Power of Community and Shared Vision

Kate Cawley, Founder of Future Food Movement & Veris Strategies

As we approach 2025, the stakes have never been higher. The UK’s food system stands at a pivotal moment. With the government’s National Food Strategy setting the stage for bold transformation across health, food security and environmental sustainability, the question is: are we ready to rise to the challenge?  

At Future Food Movement, we’ve spent the past three years working alongside leaders from over 65% of the UK food and drink industry, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and networks to drive long-term sustainable growth. From tackling climate change to improving public health, the work is already underway – and we’re seeing the first signs of real progress. But the road ahead is challenging, and the lessons we’ve learned will be crucial as we face the opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead.   

Here’s how our members are getting involved as we tackle these challenges together:

Culture: The Bedrock of Transformation   

If we’ve learned one thing, it’s that culture is the foundation for real systems change. A movement like Future Food Movement thrives on creating a space where every voice is heard and every action counts. Our community’s ethos is simple but powerful: everyone is welcome under the big tent. Diversity of thought, shared values, and mutual respect form the basis of our progress.   

When our members come together – whether in huddles, Accelerators or other gatherings – the sense of powerlessness fades. Participants report leaving these sessions feeling empowered and inspired. The problems we face don’t shrink, but they start to feel solvable. The future becomes a tangible, shared vision. This is the magic of community: by working alongside like-minded, inspiring people, individuals find both the courage and the capacity to lead.   

Sustainability Must Be a Core Business Strategy   

Sustainability can’t be a side project – it must be integral to every business decision. Our members are embedding sustainability into their culture and operations. This alignment ensures long-term growth is inextricably linked to sustainable practices.   

But embedding sustainability at this level requires a cultural shift. It demands alignment of values and beliefs across the industry, creating a unified purpose that drives collective action.   

Leadership Mindset Shifts Are Essential   

For sustainability to drive real change, leaders must see it as a key to innovation and growth. Our work shows that when leaders champion sustainability, it permeates every level of the organisation, unlocking new opportunities and aligning the entire business toward a shared vision.   

Yet, this transformation can’t rest on the shoulders of a few. Burnout among sustainability teams is a real challenge, with over 50% reporting they feel stretched too thin. Addressing this requires embedding sustainability across all functions. When everyone in the organisation shares responsibility, it not only reduces strain but accelerates progress.  

Community and Contagious Behaviour Are Game-Changers   

Human beings are inherently social; we mirror and amplify each other’s behaviours. This is why building a community is so powerful. When we tackle sustainability together, it creates a ripple effect that drives widespread change. Talking about climate action and food system transformation is, in itself, an action. By fostering these conversations, we spark behavioural shifts that cascade across organisations and sectors.   

Collaboration Across the Sector Is Non-Negotiable   

The National Food Strategy calls for collaboration, and we’ve seen this work in action. Some of our members such as Sainsbury’s and Compass Group UK&I, have shown that collective action sparks meaningful change. The next phase will require deeper alignment across the supply chain to scale sustainability efforts.   

Changemakers Are the Key to Long-Term Change   

Within every organisation, there are individuals driving sustainability forward – changemakers who inspire cultural shifts. Supporting and connecting these fire starters is critical to making sustainability a way of doing business, not just a strategy. At Future Food Movement, we focus on upskilling these leaders and their teams, ensuring they have the clarity, confidence, and tools to drive impact.   

Building Systems Intelligence and Capabilities   

Achieving systemic, lasting change requires more than technical solutions; it demands a shift in worldviews, norms and behaviours. Education, meaningful discussion, and a sense of community underpin this transformation. We’re now working with our community to ensure both individuals and businesses are ready to lead this charge. From capability-building to fostering systems intelligence, our mission is clear: empower every function and role to play their part in food system transformation.   

The Path Forward   

The National Food Strategy presents an incredible opportunity, but success will depend on how we come together, collaborate and tackle the pressing issues of health, food security, and climate change. By driving cultural alignment, supporting changemakers, and building a sense of community we can create a tipping point for systems change.   

The future of food is not just about sustainability – it’s about resilience, equity, and collective action. Together, we can ensure that the UK’s food system becomes a model for transformation, not just survival. Now is the time to act.

The future of food is here – are you ready to lead?