London’s Food Charter
Talking about food matters…and why food matters.
Thank you for visiting the
London’s Food
Charter web page. Here you will find information on the following:
What is Food Security?
Food security means that all people at all times have access to food that:
- is fresh and nutritious
- is affordable
- meets dietary needs and cultural standards
- is produced in a way that minimizes environmental and social impact.
So when we say a food secure community, what we mean is:
A community where all are fed, well.
Food security in London means…
- ...never having to say ‘I’m hungry’, or ‘my children are hungry’.
- …a choice to find fresh, affordable food within walking distance of
home.
- …becoming a community without the need for a food bank.
- …understanding the impact of our food choices.
- …that ‘local’ doesn’t just refer to where we live, but to how we live,
every day.
- …celebrating the seasons with seasonal food and unique cultural
flavours.
- …that busy people aren’t too busy to eat right. And they know how.
- …our ’three square meals’ a day don’t come in microwavable plastic.
- …being empowered to fight food-related obesity and disease.
In 2009, London’s
Child and Youth Network organized a meeting of community experts, who came
together to discuss food matters – issues Londoners face related to food
security. From this group,
London’s Food
Charter was created with the vision to make London:
A food secure community.
In April 2011, London City Council unanimously endorsed in principle
London’s Food
Charter, a document that identifies the fundamental principles related to
food security in our community.
All Londoners have the right to enjoy optimal health and to reach their full
potential. Food security, from affordability to sustainability, affects our
health, our economy, and our environment.
Fresh food matters.
It affects the health and wellbeing of all community members.
Accessibility to food matters.
It affects our ability to fight food-related obesity and disease.
Affordability of food matters.
It affects the ability of Londoners to feed themselves and their families.
Sustainability of food matters.
It affects the livelihoods of our local farmers and producers.
Buy…
...local food, when available.
…seasonal ingredients, when timely.
...sustainable products, when possible.
Learn …
…about where your food comes from.
…to prepare healthy meals with fresh ingredients.
…to explore unique flavours and cultural dishes.
Benefit…
…with increased health and wellness.
…by supporting the local economy.
…from reducing environmental impact.
Look for more from
London’s Food Charter in the coming months as we work toward a food secure
London!
For more information, send us an