Food justice: A quick recap, update and call to action

As we are about to take a care break, we share some updates, reflections and a call for support.
And invite you to stay tuned for more People vs Inequality & food justice!

These were only some of the headlines in the news as we kicked off our food justice series earlier this year. The food price and hunger crisis is real. So are the inequality and climate crisis that are so closely linked. 

The good news is this is increasingly recognized - at least in some circles.

A recent report by the High Level Panel on Food and Nutrition Security found that it "is essential to understand that inequalities in FSN and its #foodsystems drivers are underpinned by deeper systemic drivers" and that these need to be addressed. "Systemic drivers frequently act to widen pre-existing inequalities as the most vulnerable are least able to cope or adapt." says lead author B. Shankar. 

The bad news is we still see a lot of business as usual in spaces of power. The UN Food Systems Summit happening these days is considered problematic by many social movements and Indigenous Peoples, as overlooking human rights and the structural causes of this crisis.

In our food justice series we explore what those on the frontline are doing to address inequalities and injustices in the food system, and to work towards food justice. 

There is so much to learn from their work for any actors wishing to truly contribute to food justice, whether holding formal power (governments and other), wanting to support the work of movements (e.g. philantropy) and those building people power in civil society and social movements.

We heard:

  • from the world's biggest movement of peasants, indigenous peoples and rural workers how important it is to organize and jointly advocate, but also to practice the alternatives - agroecology - and build community, joint vision and evidence in the process.
  • from one of the most experienced campaigners working to challenge corporate power on the importance of understanding the system, the tactics of companies and the opportunities of citizens and civil society to challenge these - for a more inclusive food system and democracy alltogether.
  • just how important it is to come together: to learn from each other and to envision, strategize and act jointly in order to really shift power. Both episodes highlight just how relevant this is, especially in the current challenging context and with the complexities and inequalities at play.


 

What's next? Watch this space

As the topic of food justice is gaining traction and the urgency of the crisis is as real as when we started, we are compelled to continue these conversations and showcase more of the important work of activists and others. And we will. But the reality is that resources are limited, other work ongoing and care duties (including a baby expected soon!) calling us to take a break until autumn. So this is a practice in moving away from urgency and productivity, whilst holding on to the importance and inspiration we find in this topic and podcast.

We have some exciting plans for the next episodes, including a conversation on the politics of knowledge and the power of feminist participatory action research in challenging status quo. We are also keen to hear from funders and others how they are supporting the much needed transition to a more just and sustainable food system. So watch this space... And if you have specific questions you'd like us to explore, or reflections to share on the episodes and findings so far - do let us know.

Our call to action: support the People vs Inequality podcast

One of the reasons this season of the People vs Inequality podcast has been a bit slower than previous seasons, is that we do not (yet) have funding for it. And whilst this podcast is largely a labour of love, some funding does help us to keep things moving, pay for production, editing and online hosting. So if you are a funder, know a funder or would just like to chip in a small amount- do let us know! 

Also, any review you leave us, and sharing with people in your networks helps us too!

You can contact us at peoplevsinequality@gmail.com (bearing in mind we might take some time to answer).

Warmly,

Barbara & Elizabeth

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