#12 🤔The Cornucopia- Right to Grow, Toddler Foods, Food Education Strategy, Market Strikes, Farming Workshops & Kitchen Garden Grants
Melbourne to Victoria and Beyond: Your Regular Scoop of the Food Systems Scene
Regen Melbourne acknowledges and respects the Bunurong, Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation, which is now known as Melbourne. We extend these acknowledgements to all Traditional Owners across the State of Victoria. The food system knowledge, practices and deep wisdom of the First Nations people of this land guides, informs and drives our work.
👋Hello Cornucopians!
These last few weeks at Regen Melbourne, we've been thinking about how our city's food system is getting shakier. Beyond rising food costs, we're seeing empty egg shelves, banana shortages after the Far North Queensland floods, and signs that these high prices aren't going away anytime soon. All these problems stacking up show just how vulnerable our food networks are becoming, and there's real worry that people will turn to less healthy, less sustainable food options simply because that's all they can afford or find.
But this just confirms we're on the right track with the work many of you are doing— whether its building community gardens, running school meal programs, advocating for local procurement, farming in tune with nature, or running food hubs. It is the work that is needed!
Keep sharing your stories and experiences—we need to celebrate each other's victories, learn from shared reflections, and collaborate to bring our initiatives into the mainstream, creating a genuine transition that supports a stronger food system for people and planet.
Hot Off the Grill🫓
Across the Globe 🌎
⌚New paper examines the UK food system's preparedness for disruption, advocating a shift from "Just in Time" to "Just in Case" food economy approaches.
✊🏾A Malawi case study showcases a farmer-led nonprofit weaving together agroecological and gender equity principles, ensuring women don't shoulder disproportionate burdens during agricultural transitions.
🌽The often untold history of Community Supported Agriculture reveals its origins in marginalised communities and racial justice.
🔍For those following U.S. food policy developments, Civil Eats offers a comprehensive tracker.
🪧This Conversation article examines why ending world hunger rests on political will.
🧺Southwark Council becomes first London borough to adopt “Right to Grow” motion on public land.
Closer to Home 🏠
📝New study explores structure, composition and needs for effective Local Food Action Groups in Western Australia.
🎒Tasmania's free school lunch program shows incredibly positive outcomes as it expands.
😧Investigation reveals confectionery being marketed as nutritious toddler food due to regulatory gaps.
🥫Far North Queensland's recent flooding highlight the importance of local food systems in maintaining food security during climate events.
🧑🏽🏫Opportunity for teachers and principals to shape Australia's National School Food and Fibre Education Strategy.
💲Deakin University research finds locally grown produce in regional Victoria isn't necessarily more expensive than imports.
📃The Australian Government's Food and Beverage Manufacturing Inquiry has recommended a comprehensive national food plan and advocated for funding to activate food innovation precincts in outer Melbourne regions.
🥕Queen Vic Market traders went on strike for the first time in the market’s history, calling out lease costs and unfair treatment.
Foodie Calendar🗓️
March 4: In response to closure of abattoirs, Sustainable Table and Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance are hosting a roundtable to discuss how farmers can mobilise to solve this pressing issue. Register here.
April 16-17: Dan Kittredge, who many of us heard from when he visited Melbourne will be returning to offer his workshop on nutrient dense growing at Farm My School on the Surf Coast and other sites across the country. Register here
The Important Stuff💲
Schools can apply for grants to kickstart their kitchen gardens. Apply now through Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation with applications closing on 7th of March.
🥝 Do you have something delicious brewing that you want us to share in The Cornucopia?
Send us an ✉️ at dheepa@regen.melbourne