Sustain: The National Food

NetworkOverview and Benefits for

Local Governments

What is ‘Sustain’?Meta-Network: A network of food networks,

articulating & amplifying the many local food networks and coalitions, in Victoria & beyond

Mission: To support development of food systems that are strong, connected, healthy & sustainable

Independent & Accountable: An incorporated, membership-based, not-for-profit association, with a Board representative of food system stakeholders

Collaboration & Partnerships: Working alongside government, business and community stakeholders

What is the Food System?

Food System Map – www.nourish.org

Drivers of Food System Change

Health: 75% of Australians will be overweight/obese by 2025

Planning: Suburban sprawl is taking over fertile farmland; fast food outlets are multiplying; land-banking by supermarkets is creating food deserts in peri-urban growth areas

Environment: The food system generates 40-50% of all GHG emissions; 40% of all food produced is wasted

Social Justice & Food Security: 2 mn Australians experience food insecurity; 10 farmers leave the land every day

Social Capital/Community: 53% of Australians grow/raise some of their own food; 9% belong to community/school gardens

Economic development: Consumer demand supports ‘local food’; re-valuing local producers & businesses generates jobs, supports eco- & agri-tourism, creates value-added to local economies

Sustain ObjectivesTo develop and implement a program of

community-engaged research, supporting members of the Network to document their food-related policies, strategies & programs; building an extensive evidence and knowledge-base of healthy and sustainable food systems and economies

To profile and showcase the food-related work of members, nurturing a dynamic community of learning and practice at regional and national levels

Benefits to MembersResearch collaborations: Supported short-term

internships to document implementation of policies and programs

Showcasing: Gain recognition as leaders in sustainable, healthy and fair food systems

Communities of practice: Access experience and lessons of other members in designing and implementing food system change

Strategic advocacy: On matters of fundamental importance to community health & wellbeing, such as density of fast food outlets in residential areas

Benefits to Members (cont’d)

Benchmarking: Creation of an evidence-based & local expert-driven Local Food System Profile, as a baseline for actions

How will Sustain specifically benefit local

governments?Implementation of Key Objectives in Council Plans and Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plans, in particular:

Sustainability: All Council Plans include targets such as reduction of GHG emissions, waste to landfill, & sustainable water management. Knowledge & experience sharing about sustainable food systems will help Councils document progress towards these targets

How will Sustain benefit local governments? (cont’d)

Liveability & Connectedness: All Council Plans aim to enhance their area as an attractive place to live and work, with a strong sense of place and belonging. Profiling Council programs and achievements around (for example) urban food, agri-tourism and mixed land-use planning will support the achievement of these objectives

Economic development & prosperity: All Council Plans foreground job creation and business opportunities. Documenting the emergence and growth of Victoria’s Local Food Economy will help Councils demonstrate the opportunities of local food systems and drive investment to this sector

How will Sustain benefit local governments?

(cont’d): Health and Wellbeing

2008 PHW Act: Councils must protect, improve & promote public health & wellbeing

Focus on prevention and disadvantaged

Highlights ‘increasing healthy eating’ as a priority

Identifies need to improve food supply & access

Research collaborations offered by Sustain will help Councils show they are meeting their targets and responsibilities

Specific research outcomes for local

governmentsStructured short-term internship: Sustain staff

will work with staff of Network members to facilitate an internship of up to 10 weeks involving one or more tertiary students, to research and document a priority food-related policy, program or project

Outputs: A publication-quality report of up to 5000 words, linked to achievement of key Council objectives; a presentation to internal and (if desired) external stakeholders; (if desired) profiling the research and program etc. on the Sustain website; and during an annual conference / symposium