Redefining the future: A policy agenda for sustainable surplus food redistribution in the UK
Surplus Food Redistribution (SFR) has long been championed as a ‘win-win’ strategy to combat both food waste and household food insecurity. However, a recent research paper by the FAMISHED project challenges this narrative, revealing a paradoxical reinforcement of the very issues it aims to solve. This blog unpacks the highlights of the research, presenting a comprehensive policy agenda for the future of SFR in the UK.
The SFR paradox: unveiling the cracks
The ‘win-win’ narrative surrounding SFR hides underlying tensions and challenges identified through a participatory study involving 17 interviews with stakeholders across private, public, and third sectors. The study sheds light on financial, infrastructural, logistical, and legal challenges that limit the efficacy of SFR, highlighting the need for a critical re-evaluation. The research also underscores the failure of SFR to address the root causes of household food insecurity and food waste, ultimately perpetuating the problems it intends to solve.
Constructing the ideal future: ‘food utopia’
A ground breaking aspect of the research is the construction of an ideal future for SFR in the UK. Referred to as ‘food utopia,’ this vision envisions a scenario where SFR is no longer required as a solution. Instead, the future lies in sustainable food systems that ensure household food security, making nutritious food available, affordable, and accessible to all while respecting planetary boundaries. In this future, SFR coexists with ‘non-food’ charitable operations focused on community engagement and social inclusion.
Policy recommendations for ‘food utopia’
The research paper culminates in a set of policy recommendations essential for realising the preferred future of SFR:
- Rejecting the mainstream SFR ‘win-win’ narrative: Acknowledge and address the tensions and challenges inherent in the current narrative to pave the way for more effective solutions.
- Tackling food poverty and systematic food overproduction: Address the root causes of household food insecurity and food waste by implementing policies that promote sustainable food production and reduce overproduction.
- Rebalancing uneven power distribution amongst food systems actors: Foster a more equitable distribution of power among stakeholders to ensure inclusive decision-making and collaborative efforts towards sustainable food systems.
- Delivering food security within planetary boundaries: Align food security initiatives with ecological limits, promoting regenerative agriculture and reducing environmental impact.
These interventions extend beyond food and waste policies, offering valuable lessons for broader sustainability transition pathways in socio-technical systems.
Shaping a sustainable future
The research sets a robust policy agenda for the future of Surplus Food Redistribution in the UK. By addressing the paradoxes within the current narrative, constructing an ideal future scenario, and proposing policy interventions, the study charts a course toward a ‘food utopia.’ Embracing these recommendations will not only redefine the role of SFR but also contribute to a broader transition to sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems within planetary boundaries. It is a call to action for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities alike to collectively shape a future where surplus food is not just redistributed, but where sustainable practices and inclusivity are paramount.
