How can social innovation models address food insecurity in cities?

Education. Coming from a tropical country, Suriname in South America, it was second nature for everyone to have their own garden, which was knowledge passed down from one generation to another. How do we educate people in sustainable food? Can this be a course in school, or community lessons free to the public. I believe you have to start at the basics, at the root of each family, to empower them to grow their own food and this way its not always a big business and the mainstream people cant afford to eat healthy.

Accessing untapped markets in Canada’s First Nations, like fishing tourism in MB contributed 412M GDP. Manitoba’s Fisher River Cree has entered into this market. We could scale this by growing traditional foods and using sustainable hunting and harvesting. Imagine transporting these unique foods and recipes globally with zero carbon emissions with new emerging technologies such as drones or electric alternatives - it’s doable and can be eco-friendly. Plus, it’s a chance to showcase our rich cultural heritage. The key is improving supply chains and forming partnerships that respect our traditions while meeting modern demands. This isn’t just about business; it’s about sharing our culture with the world and honouring reconciliation.

Embarking on the urban farming journey was more than a response to food insecurity; it was a commitment to transforming my city's landscape. On my modest rooftop, I cultivated a thriving oasis amidst the concrete jungle. The vibrant kaleidoscope of vegetables and herbs not only nourished my soul but became a lifeline for those stranded in food deserts. In the heart of the city, my rooftop farm stood as a testament to the potential of urban agriculture. The fresh, organic produce harvested on my rooftop found its way to tables in neighborhoods parched for healthy options. It was more than sustenance; it was a revolution against the stark reality of food inequality.

Overwhelmingly urban farming is hopeless and fails to address the scale needed. The small allotment style approach is good for welfare, social cohesion and education but will never feed a whole city - and a vertical farms swaps the cheapest food miles for city overheads and massive energy bills as they try to recreate free sunlight in dedicated buildings. We all know the final mile is the most expensive - that is why City Farm Systems set out to avoid it with distributed growing at the point of need - swapping food miles for minutes and metres. All heavily occupied buildings pay to dump near perfect greenhouse conditions allowing a better than net zero carbon consuming supply chain - and earning our nomination for the 2024 Earthshot Prize.

In my work, the juxtaposition of available food and those who are hungry is startling. Exploring creative models for land use and food sharing while also seeking out cooperative growing and production efforts among stakeholders are ways in which innovation can drive down food insecurity. Framing the issues differently and allowing space for alternative points of view can help us address this ever growing crisis. In a country with our resources, climate, and wealth, these levels of food insecurity are unacceptable.

As an economist and a food banker, #nohungerfoodbank implements food sharing as one of the vehicular catalysers of its food banking model. Its functionality and impact are embedded in No Hunger Food Bank’s deep engagement with the communities where it operates to alleviate hunger among the internally displaced peoples, and most vulnerable populations in Northern Nigeria. Please follow No Hunger Food Bank on its social media platforms to further understand how it deploys food sharing and food banking through its 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.

In the heart of the city, I discovered a powerful solution to food insecurity: food sharing. Volunteers salvaged surplus food, redirecting it from dumpsters to those in need. Despite challenges like stringent regulations and logistical intricacies, the impact was profound. Fresh produce and bakery items became a lifeline for the homeless and seniors. Beyond sustenance, food sharing wove a tapestry of trust and reciprocity, eroding societal stigmas. Each rescued item symbolized a small victory in the battle against waste and hunger, affirming that compassion could redefine a city's relationship with food.

Apps are emerging help with this use case, including those which aggregate surplus or time sensitive goods from popular retailers. The more we can ensure food goes to good use and not into the compost… the better!

As an immigrant, my attitude and experience of food was different. As market goers for fresh produce, the 2nd of 20 children, excluding 10 or more cousins at any given time, 3 wives controlling the cooking, mealtimes were interesting. My skills were honed on huge communal pots. Supermarkets were for foreign treats. Fast forward to food shopping in a market/supermarket in the UK, comparing quantities & price to save money, bulk buying made more sense. I quickly worked out that food sharing was the only way as our little flats and cupboards could not contain bulk food stock. Time to cook for some is a challenge, as one who enjoys cooking it made sense to share meals. Most of my social connections were built on food sharing.

Food sharing initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity. These programs facilitate the redistribution of surplus food from restaurants, grocery stores, and individuals to those in need. By harnessing technology and community engagement, food sharing models reduce food waste, enhance access to nutritious meals, and build a sense of solidarity, contributing significantly to alleviating hunger and promoting sustainable urban food systems.

In the heart of the city, I championed change through food education. Armed with the belief that knowledge is a potent tool against food insecurity, I focused on empowering urban residents, especially the youth, to make informed and healthy choices. Our sessions in community spaces and schools delved into food literacy, transforming information into empowerment. We broke down cultural barriers, promoting the right of communities to decide what and how to eat. Food education became a bridge connecting diverse traditions, fostering unity amidst urban complexity. As the seeds of knowledge took root, a new cohort of urban food actors emerged, embracing innovation and entrepreneurship.

Food education goes well beyond food insecurity and can be paramount to change the current paradigm of take-make-waste. It's a fact that in countries like US good, healthy food prices have gone up, while junk-food ones down and that people cooking skills in the working class have declined, making them relay on processed food. Unfortunately it takes time, long term commitment, and often it intervenes before people arrive to food insecurity. One idea I would be playing with are coops that use existing industrial kitchens downtime, involving the "end-users" in the preparation of meals for themselves and others in the same situation, joining forces with organisations like Too good to go

Food education is a vital component in addressing food insecurity. By providing individuals with knowledge about nutrition, meal planning, and sustainable food practices, food education empowers communities to make informed choices. These programs contribute to building healthier lifestyles, reducing reliance on processed foods, and fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of balanced diets. Through education, communities can develop skills to make cost-effective and nutritious food choices, ultimately promoting food security and well-being.

Food education is an essential component in addressing food insecurity in cities. By providing people with nutrition-related knowledge and abilities, we can encourage food literacy and make well-informed decisions. Since it lays the groundwork for lifelong habits, this is especially important for kids and young adults. Furthermore, building and maintaining communities in cities requires a focus on food culture and diversity.

Opportunities to explore and gain knowledge about food and nutrition are essential. Food education plays a vital role in enhancing food literacy, which refers to the ability to make well-informed and healthy food choices, particularly for urban residents, especially children and youth. Additionally, food education can contribute to the promotion of food culture, diversity, and sovereignty, allowing urban communities, particularly those facing cultural or religious barriers to accessing food, to exercise their right to decide what and how to eat. Moreover, food education can serve as a catalyst for fostering food innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship among various urban food stakeholders, including chefs, farmers, and educators.