A new paper from the Food Research Collaboration argues that using wasted food to feed hungry people distracts from underlying problems of surplus production and food insecurity.
Food waste is currently attracting a lot of attention. Policymakers are trying to reduce it on the grounds that it wastes resources, pollutes the environment and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the proliferation of food banks has drawn attention to the problem of household food insecurity.
The latest Briefing Paper from Sustain member the Food Research Collaboration analyses the benefits and drawbacks of using 'surplus' food to feed food-insecure people. It highlights how this practice undermines calls for direct action both to reduce the production of surplus food and to address upstream drivers of food insecurity. Recommendations call for civil society and policymakers to focus on systemic solutions to both food waste and household food insecurity as separate entities. The Briefing paper is available here.
The Food Research Collaboration also has a one-year vacancy for a part-time coordinator: details here.
Sustain campaigns for a greener, fairer and healthier food system. Find out more here about our activities to tackle food poverty.
Published Friday 27 January 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
