The Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF) Awards has introduced a brand new category for 2025: Community Food and Drink Project of the Year, created in partnership with headline sponsor Therme Manchester.
The award aims to recognise projects across Greater Manchester that make a meaningful social impact through food and drink, whether by tackling food poverty, promoting sustainability, improving access to healthy food or strengthening community connections.
Public nominations are now open. Organisations can nominate themselves or others, with entrants asked to provide a summary of their aims and activity, evidence of impact, examples of community engagement and any supporting materials such as testimonials or case studies. Judges will assess nominations on community impact, innovation, creativity, inclusion, collaboration and leadership.
The winning project will receive a £1,000 grant to support its work, alongside the co-creation of a £2,000 legacy project that could take the form of a community cookbook, sustainability scheme or social value report. Winners will also be offered mentorship from Therme Manchester’s team and wider network of experts, plus promotional support through Therme’s channels.
Ben Dutson, joint Head of Therme RPC, said: “The Community Food and Drink Project of the Year is all about shining a light on the incredible work of food and drink initiatives in the North West – whether that’s by helping to tackle food poverty or creating vital spaces and opportunities for community connection through food and drink.”
Charlotte Harbour, joint Head of Therme RPC, added: “As we prepare for the arrival of Therme Manchester, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing of the people and groups that make the city so special, and are delighted to celebrate the incredible, ongoing work of the food and drink industry in promoting health and happiness throughout the region.”
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, said: “We’re delighted to be introducing the Community Food and Drink Project Of The Year category to the awards.
“It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the amazing work, people and projects that continue to have a real impact in the region, and help to change people’s lives. Food, drink and hospitality hold a lot of value and power across the community, and can be a real driving force for connection, and shared moments of joy and wellbeing. We look forward to reading all the nominations that come through with the Therme Manchester team.”
The winner will be announced at the MFDF Awards Dinner at New Century on Monday 26 January 2026. The MFDF Awards are the longest-standing and most prestigious hospitality accolades in the North West, with 128 nominees across 16 categories this year.
You can vote for the winners here…
Read more:
Club de Padel to relocate
The Black Friar’s ‘winter pie festival’ returns
Plans for Chorlton Cross redevelopment revealed
