Food plays a fundamental role in our everyday lives; from the way we socialise to how long we might live. But ever since wartime posters asked us to ‘Dig for victory’ our relationship with the way food is produced, consumed and managed has become increasingly disconnected.
UK households throw away a massive £12billion worth of food each year, while an increasing number of people are relying on food banks. Waiting lists for allotments are at an all-time high as spaces are under increasing pressure for development. Meanwhile, the evidence of the multiple benefits of growing, processing and consuming food locally – ranging from tackling obesity to global food security – demonstrates that reconnecting people to their food systems is more important than ever.
This practical guide provides an overview of the policy requirements, background principles and current practices for embedding sustainable food systems from the outset.
