Yahoo News Food revolution planned to wipe out need for Scots families to use foodbanks
Cutting food waste and promoting local fruit and veg production could wipe out the need for food banks, campaigners claim. The Scottish Pantry Network is leading efforts to revolutionise the way food is distributed, eliminating waste and building local agricultural projects that can allow communities to sustain themselves.
Their conference in Glasgow on September 24 will bring together The Poverty Alliance, Scottish Alliance for Food, and the Community Food Networks group. TSPN director Mandy Morgan said the event can change how food poverty is dealt with, enabling Scotland to move away from a reliance on foodbanks.
She said: “The Scottish Pantry Network’s first conference is a call to action for everyone involved in Scotland’s food sector. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, the conference aims to build a collaborative foundation for a future where food insecurity is a thing of the past.
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“This event marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity in Scotland. We will be bringing together key stakeholders from across Scotland to engage in meaningful discussions, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on building a more sustainable and equitable food system.
“Scotland’s food sector is deeply rooted in a tradition of community involvement, with local food networks and grassroots organisations playing a pivotal role in ensuring access to nutritious food for all.
“However, despite these efforts, food insecurity remains a persistent issue, exacerbated by economic inequality, rising costs of living, and the global impacts of climate change. The Scottish Pantry Network, through this conference, aims to address these challenges head-on.”
Morgan said the different voices at the conference can inspire new initiatives that will contribute to the creation of a more resilient food system. She said: “The conference will feature a series of engaging sessions designed to encourage active participation and foster collaborative problem-solving.
“One of the highlights will be presentations from the Scottish Government’s Good Food Nation Team, who will provide insights into the latest policy developments and government initiatives aimed at tackling food insecurity. These sessions will be critical in aligning the efforts of community organisations with national strategies.”
The event will include more informal “sofa chat” sessions and workshops offering a relaxed environment for open discussions. Exhibition stalls will be set up, showcasing the work of various organisations involved in the fight against food insecurity.
These stalls will provide a platform for attendees to learn about ongoing projects, discover new resources, and establish connections with like- minded individuals and organisations.
Morgan added: “As the attendees gather at Trades Hall in Glasgow, they will not only be discussing the future of Scotland’s food sector but actively shaping it, ensuring that tomorrow’s legacy is built today.”
• The event is at the Trades Hall of Glasgow on September 24, here:
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