Foodrise – finally a name that reflects our work to transform the food system

Our exciting move from Feedback to Foodrise has been a long time coming. It means we finally have a name that reflects who we are and what we stand for. We are a small but mighty team of audacious activists – taking often unlikely action in pursuit of exposing systemic issues within our food system right the way from farm to fork.  

‘Food’ is our focus, and ‘rise’ reflects how we create change. Through bold action, community collaboration and systemic shifts. Foodrise reflects the wide scope of our world-changing work and move – almost a decade ago – from a single-issue charity focusing on the scourge of food waste to one tackling issues right across the food system.  

We work at the grass roots and grass tips. Taking on the corporate control of our food system which normalises over-production and exposing its colonial legacy and need for reparations. While showing a better way is possible through our community projects in Merseyside, Sussex, Buckinghamshire, and in The Hague in the Netherlands. 

We now – as Foodrise – have a name that is fit for purpose for our broad, audacious and ambitious work in the UK, EU and globally.  

Our history   

We held our first ever ‘Feeding the 5000’ event in London’s Trafalgar Square back in 2009. Thousands were introduced to the shocking levels of waste in our food system – while enjoying a delicious meal. A global movement was born leading to similar events all around Europe and resulting in long-lasting policy change on food waste.  

Then we officially registered as a charity and became Feedback in 2013, founded by Tristram Stuart and Nikki Charalampopoulou to shine a light on food waste. Our founders’ impact was significant as they exposed the social scandal and environmental tragedy of food waste, and positioned it as an environment issue.  

Following Carina Millstone’s appointment as Executive Director in 2017, and with Frank Mechielsen at the helm in the Netherlands since 2021, we have grown into so much more than a voice against food waste. 

Transforming the food system 

We are confronting the structural drivers of injustice in our food system — from exposing the financiers of the global livestock industry to advancing community-led alternatives across Liverpool and Knowsley. All with an unwavering commitment to equity, justice and anti-oppression.   

From legal challenges and hard-hitting research to supporting movements on the ground, our work now spans the UK, Europe, and globally. Including the founding of Feedback EU in 2022 to broaden our impact in the European Union, and strengthen involvement with EU food policy development, civil society coalitions and create alternative local food environments in the Netherlands. 

We are Foodrise  

But we still needed a name that reflects the breadth of our expanded, turbo-charged mission. At this critical moment — as climate breakdown accelerates, nature collapses, and millions face hunger and poor health — Foodrise captures our readiness to rise to the challenge and our vision for a future that works for people and the planet.  

We are at a moment of crisis and opportunity. We are seeing the impact of climate change being felt – the geopolitical implications on food security, records numbers of children living in poverty. The worst harvest in 40 years. The wettest 18 months on record followed by the hottest ever spring. The decline of nature. 

Our shift to Foodrise is a pivotal moment — one that positions us to amplify our voice, grow our impact, and build momentum in the fight for a just food system. We want more and more people to know who we are and what we do.  

We’re rising up with fresh energy and a deeper commitment to transform the food system. For climate, nature and justice. Thank you for rising with us.

Carina Millstone, Executive Director at Foodrise

Frank Mechielsen, Director at Foodrise in the EU