Food Farming and Countryside Commission with Lincolnshire Food Partnership organised a Food Conversation at Doddington Hall on Monday 9th September to discuss what we want from our food system. Laura Stratford explained that food issues are regularly in the news from food security, rise in obesity rates and increased food banks but the government did not grasp the real issue of the recent National Food Strategy report by Henry Dimbleby.
The Government’s response was that people do not want to be told what to eat. This conversation came to discuss what do people want, where is the power and responsibility for change and what do people want and need to farmers, retailers and the government. There was a lively and nuanced conversation where challenges were recognised and responses were creative and confident. People of Lincolnshire want: better school meals, cooking education, promotion of grow your own, growing local food economies and healing the disconnect between farmers, food producers and communities. There should also be amplified voices for those who struggle to access enough food for a healthy active lifestyle. Change needs to come on multiple levels – policy makers, farmers, retailers, food manufacturers and consumers. We need to choose to be active consumers and active participants in the food system.
Subash was part of this conversation and said it was great to be invited to attend the Food Conversation event by Laura. It was a great conversation and good opportunity for networking as well. I was brought up faith and food and this followed with discussion around Halal and Kosher and as result we have worked on a faith and food guide.
