A. Do you find the proposed scope comprehensive to analyze and discuss the key issues concerning the role of urban and peri-urban food systems in achieving food security and nutrition? Are there any major gaps or omissions?
The Food Foundation is an independent think tank working to address challenges in the food system in the interests of the UK public. We believe major food transformations to the food system are needed to ensure we have a just and sustainable food system that can deliver healthy diets for all. We are policy entrepreneurs who provide innovative and creative ways to generate demand for new and better public and private sector policy and practice. We also provide clear analysis of the problems caused by the food system and the role of policy and practice in addressing these.
The current report scope provides an extensive overview of the challenges faced by urban and peri-urban food systems, emphasizing the importance of addressing food security, nutrition, and sustainable development in urban contexts. The analysis also considers the role of informal markets, and innovations in addressing these challenges. However, there are a few areas where the report could be expanded to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand:
Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: The report could further elaborate on the importance of governance and multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving food security and nutrition in urban and peri-urban areas. This includes discussing the role of local and national governments and private sector retailers and food businesses but also investigates importance of national and international food system learning exchanges and alliances facilitated through the civil society organizations and anchor institutions.
Public Health and Nutrition Education: The report could explore the role of public health policy and nutrition education in promoting healthy food choices, especially in the context of urban food environments. This includes the need for targeted interventions in schools, workplaces, and communities, as well as the role of public policies, such as food labelling and advertising regulations.
Incorporating diverse perspectives: The report could delve into the roles of citizens whose voices are seldom heard. This could include experience of children and young people of different ages, multi-generational migrant communities, older people living at home and in sheltered accommodation, people with mental health and physical conditions, LGBTQ+ individuals and vulnerably housed/homeless people. Incorporating these perspectives will ensure that policies are inclusive and targeted to specific groups.
Financing Mechanisms: Finally, the report could consider the role of innovative financing mechanisms in supporting urban and peri-urban food systems. This may involve analysing public and private investment options, as well as discussing the potential for blended finance models, impact investing, and other financial tools that can mobilize resources for food security and nutrition initiatives.
B. Share good practices and successful experiences on strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems in the context of urbanization and rural transformation, including in the case of emergencies or conflicts.
Food Foundation’s initiative Food Cities 2022 was a comprehensive program that brought together local and national governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and community members to address food security, nutrition, and sustainable development challenges in urban and peri-urban settings. As such it is as an example of a successful initiative that demonstrates the potential for positive impact through multi-sectoral collaboration, innovative approaches, and a strong focus on local context.
Some key elements of the Food Cities 2022 initiative that could be highlighted in the report include:
- Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Food Cities 2022 exemplified the importance of engaging various stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of food security and nutrition interventions. The initiative facilitated collaboration between actors from different sectors, fostering synergies and ensuring that diverse perspectives and expertise were harnessed to achieve common goals.
- Localization of the Global Agenda: Food Cities 2022 demonstrated how global frameworks, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, can be translated into concrete actions at the local level. The initiative supported the development of context-specific strategies and policies that addressed the unique challenges and opportunities faced by participating cities, ensuring that global goals were tailored to local realities.
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Food Cities 2022 placed a strong emphasis on building the capacities of local stakeholders and facilitating knowledge exchange between cities. The initiative provided training, resources, and technical assistance to support the design and implementation of effective food security and nutrition interventions, while also creating opportunities for cities to learn from one another's experiences and best practices.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Food Cities 2022 incorporated standardised monitoring and evaluation mechanisms through online survey to assess cities needs and to track their progress since joining. This allowed for more streamlined impact reporting and to support funding applications.
BINDI: A “Food Smart City” initiative and learning partnership
The Food Foundation also facilitated a learning partnership between Birmingham, UK and Pune, India which involved the development of policies and practices as part of a “Food Smart City” initiative. Our definition of a ‘'Nutrition Smart City'' is one that uses data and technology to change the way that food is produced, processed, distributed and consumed. It considers food quality and equitable access, disrupting food systems that are not sustainable or that contribute to food insecurity and malnutrition.
Learnings from the initiative have been captured in two reports:
BINDI - Lessons Learnt 1 - 2019
BINDI - Lessons Learnt 2 - 2021
We also produced a Case Study Report of other smart food and nutrition initiatives which have taken place elsewhere to inspire the local authorities in Birmingham and Pune.
We hope that these suggestions will be valuable in refining the report's scope to provide a comprehensive analysis of the key issues concerning urban and peri-urban food systems. We look forward to further engaging with the consultation process.
Ms. Leticija Petrovic