Vote for Kai and #fixourfoodsystem
We're back with another plea for a national food strategy! You may remember that before the 2023 election VAWA partnered with EatNZ and Freedom Farms to ask for a community-led, government-facilitated national food strategy in a campaign called #fixourfoodsystem.
We did not get what we wanted so we are back at it again!
This time we're delighted to be part of another powerful collective who believe that no matter who you are or where you're from, everyone in Aotearoa deserves access to nutritious food that reflects our preferences and gives us agency in the system that creates and distributes it.
We're food-producing champions.
We should be able to feed our own people.
A deliberate and just design of our food system will ensure kai is produced in a way that sustains our taiao (environment), including the welfare of our animals, and the livelihood of our producers.
We are calling for courage: to move beyond charity, beyond short-term fixes, and to commit to a food system where there is truly enough for all. Ultimately we're calling on all political parties to prioritise our food system in this year's election.
If you haven't had the chance yet - we'd love you to read and sign our open letter to all political parties in Aotearoa New Zealand.
2023 | The final numbers
Why we need a national food strategy
In the face of food insecurity, a cost of living crisis, a climate emergency, growing geopolitical instability and some of the worst food-related health burdens in the developed world… a domestic food system that feeds New Zealanders well is more important than ever.
Our partners
VAWA partnered with EatNZ and Freedom Farms to run a campaign and parliamentary petition asking for a community-led, government-facilitated, values-based national food strategy. New Zealand shouldn't just be export focused - it's wrong that Kiwis go hungry and can't afford delicious, nutritious, locally grown food, while ever-increasing exports are celebrated. A national food strategy, focused on how we can fairly feed Kiwis our great food is a key element in developing a new food system.
Action is needed! We demand action! We need a national food strategy that serves New Zealand’s eaters, farmers and growers, processors and manufacturers, fishers, public health advocates, farmed animals, food waste campaigners, social support agencies, logistics and distribution folk, environmentalists, the hospo and beverage industry, retailers, industry bodies and kai sovereignty champions.
Everyone deserves a fair deal in our food system
and access to affordable, healthy kai.
Next steps
Next steps are to have the petition presented to the 54th Parliament and then being involved with the Petitions Select Committee process thereafter.
More information on why we need to #fixourfoodsystem
Blog first published 09/04/2023
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