Rethinking Food: Inclusion and Networks for a Sustainable Food System
The 2024 One Health Day explored food systems through the lens of health determinants and sustainability. Experts, researchers, and field actors discussed the transformation of food systems to promote health, environmental protection, and equitable access to quality nutrition.
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ur current food model is deeply reliant on intensive production, industrial processing, and unequal resource distribution. A round table led by the Maison de l'Alimentation Durable et Inclusive de Liège (MAdiL) showcased local initiatives aimed at improving access to healthy food while considering social, economic, and environmental impacts. Participants discussed ways to promote short food supply chains to enhance the resilience of food systems, especially for younger and disadvantaged populations. Social inclusion took centre stage, ensuring access to quality food for all citizens. Local initiatives, such as those supported by MAdiL and the Ceinture Aliment-Terre Liégeoise, demonstrated the importance of networking actors in building sustainable solutions.
Another round table, organised by Solidaris, addressed the social, economic, and environmental barriers that hinder access to healthy food, often leading to significant healthcare needs. Facilitating access to healthy nutrition was advocated as a major preventive measure against chronic diseases, supporting healthy ageing and reducing societal costs. Participants explored the role of public policies in shaping dietary behaviours and the importance of educating the public on the benefits of locally produced food. Access to quality food requires structural and collective actions, with public health policies restructured to prioritise sustainable nutrition. Echoing MAdiL’s discussions, the need for inclusion and citizen engagement was emphasised. Regulating agro-food marketing was deemed crucial to ensure the sector serves shared health goals, empowering communities to reclaim their food systems and reduce dependence on major distribution chains. Initiatives led by the Conseil de Politique Alimentaire de Liège Métropole highlighted how local, participatory, and inclusive approaches could address global challenges in food and health.
Theatre: Exploring Sustainable Food Issues
Beyond the round tables, the complex issues of food systems were also explored through theatre. Engaging performances brought these challenges to life. The Compagnie Adoc’s play, Nourrir l’Humanité, depicted the evolution of agriculture through testimonials from farmers committed to sustainable practices. With poignant narratives, it urged audiences to reflect on the transition towards sustainable food systems. Similarly, Actrices de la Résilience by Arsenic2 highlighted the comparative costs of sustainable versus conventional agriculture. These performances underscored the hidden costs of dominant food systems in terms of public health and environmental damage. By using art, the performers provided a creative and thought-provoking perspective, sparking debate among experts and stakeholders.
Solutions for a Healthier and Sustainable Future
The commitment of participants and contributors at the 2024 One Health Day reflects a shared ambition to transform food practices for a more equitable and sustainable future. By focusing on inclusion, sustainability, and local networks, the discussions demonstrated that collectively, we can create a food system that meets individual needs while respecting the planet’s limits.
