Upscaling food systems for the mitigation and exclusion of poverty

ongoing

Food-related diseases (e.g. overweight, obesity, cholesterol) and food insecurity constitute pressing socio-economic issues which have been particularly exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic, notably on at-risk populations. With nutrition proven to impact one’s performance and overall health, the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods such as high in fat, sugar or salt (HFSS) products is all-the-more worrying as it is attributable to one’s socioeconomic background. Children from disadvantaged families have notably been identified as the prime consumers of such foods due to their convenience and to the lack of knowledge and education on the topic, reigniting socio and health inequalities across the EU. The « Upscaling food systems for the mitigation and exclusion of poverty » project aims to act on the causal link that exists between nutrition and social inclusion, identifying a more inclusive food system as the key to encouraging the inclusion of at-risk populations. The project revolves around two focus areas 1) vulnerable children food literacy and 2) food accessibility and redistribution. The former aims to break off malnutrition trends by developing training and workshops offering proper education on food and related health issues. The latter focuses on food redistribution and accessibility for at-risk populations to guarantee equal access to healthy foods. Parallelly, SAFE will carry out targeted advocacy campaigns to act on 1 - the impact of food, notably ultra-processed and HFSS foods on children’s mental and physical health and on the occurrence of obesity and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) 2 - paths to establishing equal access to food for all, and notably access to essential resources for the disadvantaged by acting on redistribution rules. The project will serve DG EMPL priorities by helping provide support to vulnerable children, alleviate resource inequalities and poverty, and building up the capacity of its network and members.