#15 The Cornucopia🍵- Exciting Earthshots, Amazon COP, Financial Tools, Nourishing Lunches & More
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🍲!
After a lengthy warm Autumn, the cold weather has finally arrived. While we might be ready for hibernation, the food world isn't slowing down one bit. So grab your hot cup of tea, get comfortable, and join us for this month's food system updates.
🌱 BIG NEWS ALERT! 🌱 Keep those eyes peeled and taste buds ready! After months of deep conversations, community listening, and system-mapping, we're about to unveil our bold new "earthshot" for Greater Melbourne's food future.
It's the culmination of your voices, all of our collective wisdom, and a dash of hope and imagination. Coming very soon!
Across the Globe 🌎
📊 A powerful new resource on how trade, debt, and financialisation impact our food systems has been released by the Civil Society and Indigenous People's Mechanism.
🌳 With COP30 approaching in Brazil—dubbed "the Amazon CoP"—President Lula has a historic opportunity to spotlight the critical connections between forests, land, biodiversity, and food security.
☕ The provocatively titled "Running Latte" report reveals concerning findings: dairy and coffee industries continue to treat methane emissions as a secondary concern,
🍎UK fruit and vegetable producers have seen their incomes plummet by 38%, highlighting a troubling paradox—the very sectors providing the greatest social and ecological benefits are struggling the most financially.
Closer to Home 🏠
🍅 After four years, the Merri-bek Community Food Hub has shared their journey, challenges, and triumphs in a comprehensive reflection. Their insights offer valuable lessons for community food initiatives everywhere.
🛒 New research of Box Divvy users reveals that community-run food co-ops can meaningfully tackle food insecurity while supporting healthier eating habits across communities.
💰An insightful paper examines how financial tools, particularly agricultural subsidies, could transform fruit and vegetable consumption. It offers a practical roadmap for health promotion advocates seeking to engage in this issue.
Reeve E, Mason-D'Croz D, Thompson Thow AM. Health sector advocacy for repurposing agricultural investments affecting fruits, vegetables and legumes. Bull World Health Organ. 2025;103(5):328-336.
🎉A Sydney Council blocks a proposed McDonald's in Redfern following unified opposition from residents, police, and the local Aboriginal community.
🍽️ The South Australian government are calling for submissions to address food insecurity in schools by understanding the effectiveness of breakfast and school meal programs.
🔥 Remember our Hot Food event? The full report is now available, capturing the collective wisdom on supporting our city's food system through extreme heatwaves and rising temperatures.
📝 The upcoming Federal Feeding Australia strategy must prioritise people and the environment over profits, argues a compelling piece in The Conversation.
Foodie Calendar🗓️
🍽️ May 29, 5-7:30pm | Bellarine Secondary College, Drysdale: Farm My School is hosting a Nourish Nosh Long Table with a 3-course dining experience with all proceeds going to Farm My School. And while you’re there, check out their new corporate volunteering program. Register here
June 6, 7.30-9AM | University House, Carlton: The Wattle Fellowship is hosting a breakfast to celebrate the next generation of food leaders who will be discussing the Future of Food and Agriculture. Register here
June 6, 11.30AM-1.00PM | Online: CSIRO is hosting a conversation on their new report "Toward a state of the food system for Australia," exploring the currently limited view of the food system and what we can do differently. Register here
Until next time, stay warm, nourished, and tuned in—our next edition will bring some truly exciting news that we can hardly contain! We're counting the days until we can share this winter-warming announcement that we hope will revitalise our city’s food journey even during these chilly months.
🥝 Do you have something delicious brewing that you want us to share in The Cornucopia?
Send us an ✉️ at dheepa@regen.melbourne