This year, The Goodness Issue will seek to highlight the positive work the industry is doing through these challenging times. From mental health to food redistribution, we’ll look at the achievements of the food and drink industry across our news, comment, and features sections. Download the synopsis here.

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For retail news, the contact is Ronan Hegarty and the deadline is 21 February

For brand news, the contact is Daniel Woolfson and the deadline is 21 February

For comment pieces, the contact is Emma Weinbren and the deadline is 14 February

For features, the writers are detailed below and the deadline is 9 February

 

Feature one: Has Covid changed the food industry’s approach to mental health? by Daniel Selwood

The Covid pandemic has had a disastrous impact on the nation’s mental health. 60% of adults say their mental health deteriorated during lockdown, according to Mind, while 1-in-5 adults experienced some form of depression in early 2021, more than double the number before the pandemic, says the Office for National Statistics. Food and drink workers are among the most at-risk sectors to burnout, according to residential rehab centre Delamere and the British Growers Association says farming is now on the brink of a mental health crisis, in large part due to current pricing pressures. So how are employers responding? What does a ‘good’ employer on mental health look like these days anyway? How’s it changing? And who is leading the way?

Feature two: Are redistribution stores a model of the future? by George Nott 

Redistribution supermarkets are able to offer premium products at hugely discounted prices by taking items deemed unsuitable by major retailers. It could be wonky veg, incorrect labelling, or seasonal packaging, but these stores are saving thousands of tonnes of food from going to waste each year. Outlet chains like Company Shop grew significantly through the pandemic while a number of independents are popping up too. Often based on a membership model for those on low incomes and key workers like NHS staff, the stores are simultaneously tackling food waste and food insecurity. So just how important have these stores become? What is fuelling their growth? What are their plans for the future? And how do they fit alongside charitable centres such as food hubs, food banks, and community fridges?

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