LOCAL FOODSTRATEGY

Local governments have both bottom-up and top-down engagement with the implementation of food policy. This neutral role makes them an important strategic player in connecting the various food actors in a local food system. Local governments are a key driver for the development of current food systems, especially regarding local production with a strong urban-rural relationship, the food environment, (alternative) supply chains, sustainable procurement, access to land, dietary preferences, and citizen participation where citizens become co-owners of municipal food policy.

Since 2016, Flanders has also recognized the coordinating role of local governments and therefore supports the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG) through a subsidy for a staff member for local food strategy (2020-2022). To facilitate their strengthening coordinating role, the VVSG assists local governments in implementing a transversal and Local Circular Food Policy.

InformatION

In May 2020, the EU launched the "Farm to Fork" strategy. Flanders aims to implement a Flemish food strategy by 2022. These two developments create political and societal space to work on sustainable food. But how do you draft a food vision? How do you connect your food policy to the SDGs and other policy domains? Which themes do you include in a food strategy? You can find the answers in the cookbook "Satisfying Local Hunger." Connect the lessons from the cookbook to a commitment statement to anchor the food theme.

The cookbook for local authorities, "Satisfying Local Hunger," is the culmination of three years of work with local governments on circular food policy (2020-2022). Throughout the process, we sensitized and informed municipalities about the food challenges and, more importantly, the food opportunities at hand through concrete cases, facilitating expertise, systemic thinking exercises, and inspiring keynotes. We are pleased to share the lessons we have drawn from this journey in this cookbook.

The Food Day in 2022 was the perfect opportunity to enshrine the positive momentum around local food policy in a political commitment statement for the coming years. Local authorities sign the commitment statement because they recognize the unifying importance of food policy and the crucial leadership and exemplary role of local governments in a food system. Has your municipality already signed the commitment statement?

INSPIRATION

Get inspired by these practical examples:

ActiON

Which partners can assist you in setting up a local food strategy? Where can you find resources?

Grants

Source article: VVSG

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