About City Food Policy
Addressing A Global Need
The production, processing, transportation, consumption, and eventual disposal of food and wasted food impact the health and wellness of communities and of the environment; drive regional economic activity; and they reflect core societal values. Our food system contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, soil, water, and air quality. Moreover, labor practices in these industries play a significant role in the economic well-being of people and communities, both urban and rural, that rely on these jobs. Additionally, physical and communal health begins with having access to culturally appropriate, healthy food.
The understanding that food systems play a critical role in achieving more equitable outcomes for human health, economic growth, and the environment is driving governments to create food policies that reflect core societal values.
270 cities have signed onto the the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), an international agreement committed to, “develop sustainable food systems that are inclusive, resilient, safe and diverse, that provide healthy and affordable food to all people in a human rights-based framework, that minimize waste and conserve biodiversity while adapting to and mitigating impacts of climate change”. Hundreds of other cities are engaging with community leaders, the private sector, interest groups, and civil society to leverage the significant buying power and influence of public institutions to create policies that embed their values into procurement decisions.
Addressing this wide array of goals requires evidence-based policy instruments that allow for a holistic view of the food system and can be tailored to each region’s unique circumstances and priorities.
Home page and above photo credit: J.Russell/GrowNYC