News on In Our Nature

Football is an integral part of the cultural fabric of Manchester and is home to Manchester City and Manchester United: two of the biggest football clubs in the world. To City fans, Manchester is blue. To United fans, Manchester is red. We wanted to set fans of both clubs a challenge to show that Manchester is green too (or at least that it could be, with some simple changes).

Earlier this year, we set two groups of Manchester City and Manchester United fans a three-week challenge to eat more plants, cook more from scratch and waste less food. These fans were invited to join closed Facebook groups with 30-40 others and participate in a variety of challenges until the final day of the Premier League season.

Each week followed a different theme: Cooking from Scratch, Plant-Powered Eating and More Taste Less Waste. Every week, there were simple tips, ask the expert sessions (one week with Forest Green Rovers), cook-alongs and a weekend ‘matchday challenge’ where fans could put their new skills into practice and compete to win prizes.

Everything was framed in football terms: plant-based swaps became tactical substitutions and quick recipe ideas became half time meals. The passion fans have for their clubs created a sense of community and, when people saw others like them sharing recipes and inspiration, they wanted to join in. The challenge also encouraged many to step out of their comfort zone and try something new.

What were the full-time results?

Want to get involved?

What can football clubs do?

• Read our full report to find out our three key takeaways for clubs who want to be early adopters in promoting sustainable and healthy diets.