Madre Brava’s Post

An extremely important contribution to the just transition debate. The farm lobby has been using "consumer choice" as a powerful argument against healthier and more sustainable diets. But a lot of food is not actually chosen by people. You don't choose what your canteen offers. And when you buy a ready meal at the supermarket, you might choose the beef lasagna, but have no say about how much beef, and what else, it contains. Fast food, catering and ready meals are dominated by a small set of very large companies that can be easily regulated to provide more balanced choice to consumers. We can solve a lot of environment and health problems without burdening SMEs and farmers, and without affecting genuine consumers' choice.

NEW STUDY: EU could slash 48 million tonnes of emissions and save €2.8 billion annually with healthier ready meals. 👉 Key findings Making ready meals cheaper: Contrary to common belief, healthier and sustainable options don't have to break the bank. The study reveals that these improved meals could save EU consumers €2.8 billion annually, making nutritious choices cheaper and more accessible. This is key, as low-income consumers are the main customer base for this food category. Climate win: By making ready meals more sustainable, the EU could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a staggering 48 million tonnes annually. This is equivalent to removing up to 38 million new cars from the road every year. This is nearly as many cars as there are in the whole of France (39 million). Healthier meals, healthier people: The study unveils a path toward reducing diet-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and diabetes. Aligning ready-made meals with established health guidelines would lessen the significant burden these diseases place on European public healthcare systems. Currently, about one million deaths every year in the EU are attributable to unhealthy diets. Meeting consumer needs: In Germany, more than 70% want to know whether the product was produced under fair conditions or in an environmentally friendly way. Corporate responsibility: Large supermarkets, catering companies, and restaurant chains are urged to adopt these standards, as they play a pivotal role in the distribution of ready-made meals. Big corporations control the distribution of ready-made meals, accounting for 78% of sales in the retail sector and 48% in the food service/catering sector, so changes can be mandated without harming small and medium-sized enterprises. This shift would not only benefit consumers but also showcase corporate commitment to public health and sustainability. Urgency for action: Ready-made meals constitute one-sixth (17%) of the EU’s total calorie intake. This is also part of an upward trend; over the past 15 years, people in Italy, Germany and Spain have been eating between 40% and 60% more ready meals, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory action to avert impending health crises.  On average, EU citizens overconsume salt, sugar, fat, animal proteins (beef, pork, eggs, dairy, and poultry in particular) and calories; and underconsume vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. 🙌 Regulating pre-prepared foods is a win-win-win for people’s health, pockets and the planet! #MakeReadyMealsHealthier

The number of Europeans identifying as flexitarians dropped from 30% to 16% since 2021… It is fascinating how powerful consumer trends can go through booms and busts in short periods of time. Granted, we have just had a few eventful years but I am curious to understand why the appetite for more vegetarian 🥑 lifestyles so abruptly fell back. Is it due to the lack of enjoyment and indulgence 😋 offered by alternative diets? To the general backlash against sustainable 🌍behaviours? An affordability problem 💵 ? A convenience and availability hurdle of meat-free meals and cooking🍳? I am still pondering …. #futureoffood #plantbased

The world population has reached 8 billion and is expected to keep climbing at a rate of about 1% every decade until at least 2050. The way we eat has changed drastically in recent years, with an increasing demand for resource-intensive and environmentally impactful food. Modern eating habits have put a strain on the planet’s resources, compromising global food security and contributing to the acceleration of global warming. Life expectancy has been rising, the length of a healthy life has deteriorated. Today life expectancy is 73 years, a huge increase from those born in the late 40’, who averaged nearer 50 years. Healthy life expectancy is broadly deteriorating and nutrition is responsible, according to a new recent report . After the Second World War, the global food system was focused on providing cheap, high-calorie food to feed a growing population. But, today, conditions related to excess body weight kill more people in the Western world than hunger. Unhealthy diets are one of the five major risk factors for non-communicable diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, which account for three-quarters of deaths globally. The importance of safeguarding the planet’s precious food resources. Food security occurs when all people are able to access enough safe and nutritious food to meet their requirements for a healthy life, in ways the planet can sustain into the future. However, food security faces a number of challenges across both production and consumption which research will be essential to solve. Many countries are facing the double burden of hunger and undernutrition alongside overweight and obesity, with one in three people across the globe currently suffering from some form of malnutrition. By 2050, global population will increase by another two billion, bringing the total number of people living on Earth to nearly 10 billion. This rapid population growth can have devastating consequences on our planet by putting a strain on its resources, most notably on food supplies. The factors that connect population growth to food security are numerous and varied  from drastic changes in human diets to the ways in which we produce food. In richer countries, people have become wealthier and are eating more. Opting for more resource-intensive and environmentally impactful food. To ensure food security across the world will need to include a more effective distribution of food supplies and a drastic change in the food system as we know it. Should making sure no one goes hungry. And healthy food be made the default! It does start with small retailers such as restaurants,café’s, convenience stores, takeaways and petrol stations which have a big influence on what consumers choose. Creating healthy and sustainable menu options that are just as appealing, saleable as the unhealthy ones can change the landscape from unhealthy to healthy.   The future goal of food security should be to have availability of enough food for all…. For an active, healthy life.

European #foodinnovation organisation EIT Food's finds declining trust in the European food system. The findings of the report 📑 indicate the need for manufacturers and brands to engage more closely with consumers, not only to increase transparency and access to information but to ensure consumers are more involved in processes and decision-making across our food value chains Embracing #newtechnologies and ways to collaborate across the entire food supply chain is crucial to ensure the world can sustainably provide accessible and #healthyfood to all. Pursuing sustainable and healthy diets to meet the global population’s demands is vital, yet there is a concerning need for improvement in European diets. Companies can improve consumer trust by clearly communicating their steps to maintain and increase quality along their supply chains and processes. That is why at BTSA we maintain and transparently demonstrate a firm commitment to #sustainability in the search for a healthy and balanced diet.

A planetary Diet? C40 Good Food Cities Declaration, BASICALLY they solve climate change through micromanaging your diet. Are we at that level of bend over now? who are these guys thinking of micro-managing our forks for the planet??? Well apparently they are right in our cities and they stick it into our Climate Action Plans and then give it teeth. READ UP your climate action plan in your city has the biggest means of effecting 1) business climate 2)personal health and well being 3)movement 4) control over personal autonomy and if you weren't on my feed no one would be talking about it. https://lnkd.in/gmGid6Jn The cities signing the C40 Good Food Cities Declaration are Barcelona, Copenhagen, Guadalajara, Lima, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Oslo, Paris, Quezon City, Seoul, Stockholm, Tokyo, Toronto. The pledge was made at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Copenhagen. Research released by C40 Cities in June 2019, revealed that food is amongst the biggest sources of consumption-based emissions from cities. Eating a sustainable diet and avoiding food waste could cut greenhouse gas emissions from the food we eat by more than 60%. Research by The EAT-Lancet Commission released in January 2019 found that if adopted universally, the ‘Planetary Health Diet’ would dramatically reduce emissions, provide a balanced, nutritional diet for 10 billion people, and save 11 million lives each year. The planetary health diet is comprised of balanced and nutritious food providing up to 2,500 calories a day for all adults, not to exceed 16kg of meat per person per year or ~300g per week, and 90kg of dairy per person per year or ~250g per day, and low in ultra-processed food. A planetary health plate consists of approximately half a plate of vegetables and fruits; the other half consists of primarily whole grains, plant protein sources, unsaturated plant oils, and (optionally) modest amounts of animal sources of protein. Under the C40 Good Food Cities Declaration, cities commit to, by 2030 : Align food procurement policies to the Planetary Health Diet ideally sourced from organic agriculture  Support an overall increase of healthy plant-based food consumption in our cities by shifting away from unsustainable, unhealthy diets. Reduce food loss and waste by 50% from 2015 figures; and  Work with citizens, businesses, public institutions and other organizations to develop a joint strategy for implementing these measures and achieving these goals inclusively and equitably, and incorporating this strategy into the city’s Climate Action Plan. 

A Low-Carbon Diet Eat deliciously and sustainably! We approach being more sustainable on our menus and in our bars in many different ways, from sourcing seasonally to using electric-powered delivery vehicles. We’re about trying to tackle things in manageable-sized pieces, rather than getting worried about all the things we need to do. Something we have come across recently is the low-carbon diet. What is a low-carbon diet? A low-carbon diet is an eco-friendly diet consisting of foods that leave a minimal carbon footprint.  How can I eat low-carbon? With around a quarter of greenhouse gases emissions (26% according to a 2018 Cambridge University study) being related to food, there is definitely something we can collectively do to help reduce this number. There’s lots more information over on this great blog from Lowly Food. See below for three fundamental principles we can all follow to reduce our food emissions: 1. Eat less meat and dairy By eating more plants and less meat and dairy we remove some of the worst offenders for carbon emissions, due to how much water, feed, space and energy is required to rear and prepare animals for food. We have significantly reduced our meat dishes as a group, with one of our restaurants now fully vegetarian. 2. Use seasonal produce The Assemblies have always championed seasonal produce, and we will continue to do this until the cows come home. Our strong belief is that not only does seasonal produce require less energy to grow, using the earth’s natural resources, and cultivated in the natural environment, it also arrives fresher, and tastier for you! We look at seasonality around Europe, so we can make the most of the bountiful harvests and stop food wastage. Here is a helpful blog about how imported tomatoes can be less carbon-intensive than home-grown in a greenhouse. https://lnkd.in/dqxEV3cZ Our ideal is seasonally produce grown locally so we can support local producers and our community. 3. Reduce Food Waste Annually, over 6.5 tonnes of food is thrown away in the UK. More shockingly, around 70% of the food that was thrown away was still fit for consumption. The best thing we can do for the environment is reduce food waste. This can be through planning meals, meaning you’re not buying unnecessary ingredients that rot in your fridge. Trying to use as much of the produce as possible, do you know how tasty broccoli stalks can be? Or putting the peelings into a stock or soup. Batch cooking and freezing food, saving you time and effort on those hungover nights. And our personal favourite – no food shopping when hungry!  By cutting down your food waste, all the energy and emissions that have gone into creating your food aren’t wasted.

How receptive are consumers to implementing changes in their dietary habits? Despite the increasing demand for alternative food products, some options may not fully meet expectations or require time to gain widespread acceptance. While there are already impressive alternatives satisfying consumers globally, there's still work to be done. Recorded at the Sustainable Food Forum in London last year, this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast explores the industry's pressing questions. The panel, titled "We become what we eat, and so does the planet: changing global diets," delves into key questions like whether consumers are ready for a new food source, their willingness to make dietary changes, and the path to transitioning to more sustainable diets. Joined by speakers from World Resources Institute, Redefine Meat, EAT, Sahel Consulting and Future Fit Foods - listen here: https://hubs.ly/Q02h9tnj0

Embrace the Rainbow: A Journey to Health and Sustainability In a world inundated with dietary advice and food trends, one timeless principle stands out: eating the rainbow. Regardless of age, background, or dietary preferences, incorporating a diverse array of fruits and vegetables into our daily meals is paramount for optimal health. But how do we navigate the vast landscape of food choices while also considering sustainability and environmental impact? Enter the Rainbow Eaters App – a transformative tool designed to revolutionize the way we approach food consumption. Why Avoid Out-of-Season Produce? Out-of-season produce presents a myriad of challenges: - Lack of Taste and Nutritional Value: Artificial ripening methods strip these fruits and vegetables of their flavor and nutrients. - Chemical Contamination: Packed with preservatives and chemicals, out-of-season produce poses health risks. - Environmental Impact: Long-distance transportation contributes to carbon emissions, exacerbating environmental issues and driving up costs for consumers. Addressing Daily Food Struggles: Many of us grapple with the overwhelming task of choosing what to eat. The “Eat Me Rainbow” feature of the Rainbow Eaters App offers a solution. By highlighting locally sourced produce, this innovative tool empowers users to prioritize freshness, flavor, and nutrition. Say goodbye to decision fatigue and hello to effortless meal planning. Opting for in-season produce offers a host of benefits: - Cost-Effectiveness: In-season fruits and vegetables are more affordable and abundant. - Nutritional Superiority: Rich in essential nutrients, in-season produce offers unparalleled health benefits. - Environmental Sustainability: Choosing locally sourced, in-season produce reduces carbon emissions and supports sustainable farming practices. Experience the Rainbow Eaters App: With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, the Rainbow Eater App is poised to revolutionize the way we approach food consumption. From effortless grocery planning to customizable food selections, this app empowers users to embrace a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle with ease. Join the Movement Towards Sustainable Eating: By embracing in-season produce and adopting the Rainbow Eaters App, individuals can: - Reduce carbon emissions - Minimize plastic waste - Support sustainable farming practices - Promote animal welfare - Manage their budget effectively Who am I as an Author? As an author deeply committed to unraveling life’s greatest mysteries, I have dedicated my work to empowering individuals through transformative life stages. From marriage and pregnancy to birth and parenting, my books offer practical guidance and timeless wisdom. Join me on this journey of discovery, reflection, and empowerment as we embrace the rainbow and sustainability. Together, let’s rewrite the narrative of our lives one colorful meal at a time.

Finns are advised to eat more vegetables, whole grains and sustainably caught and farmed fish. At the same time, they should reduce their consumption of red meat, processed meat and foods rich in salt, fat or sugar. A change in diets would not only promote people’s individual health but also planetary health.   Two projects of the Strategic Research Council – Just food, which promotes a just food transition, and Leg4Life, which focuses on legumes as a tool for a sustainable food system and health – have prepared a policy recommendation on how society can support the transition toward more plant and fish-based diets.   The policy recommendation is aimed specifically for decision-makers, public health advocates and the food sector.   “Healthy and sustainable nutrition concerns us all. All of society is needed in building a healthy and sustainable food environment”, says Research Professor Minna Kaljonen from the Finnish Environment Institute.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/drQQd4wj