Bare supermarket shelves and rising food prices have become the stark reality of our current food system, yet it seems as though food still isn't being taken as seriously as it should be.
In the UK's 'national risk register' food is mentioned only once, despite the numerous challenges - such as climate change - that are expected to have a significant impact on local, national, and global food systems. This oversight is particularly concerning given the UK's vulnerability; with nearly half of its food imported from overseas, the nation remains highly susceptible to disruptions.
So how can we fortify our food system?
The charity Food Security Action argue that these are the five foundations of food resilience:
The right to food and the legal recognition of this
Diversification of food supplies
Supply chains that are resilient during food shortages
A whole-society approach
Civil food defense for emergencies
In a recent article, Tim Lang suggests that resilience isn't simply an add-on feature but something that must be embedded in how our food system operates. This will ensure that security is a foundational feature of food in the UK and move us away from a 'just in time' to a 'just in case', whole society approach.
Good Food in Greenwich can play a role in creating food resilience across the borough. Through connecting assets in the community and bringing local producers and consumers closer together, our network is sowing the seeds for a stronger and better protected food future.
Join us at the next Good Food in Greenwich meeting on Monday 24th of March from 1-3pm at the Kidbrooke Community Hub to explore your local food system, meet others and learn about ongoing projects. RSVP Here!
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