Speaker
Description
Despite its profound implications for sustainability and public health, food planning emerged as a distinct area of focus only in the early 2000s (Pothukuchi and Kaufman, 2000). Existing studies predominantly address the spatial perspective of foodscapes such as retail outlets (e.g., supermarkets, restaurants, and fast food) and their health implications (Mejean and Recchia, 2022). However, they often overlook the multifaceted role of urban and rural planning in shaping foodscapes, including physical infrastructure, economic factors, and socio-cultural influences. In France, local planning policies, such as Food Territorial Projects (Projets Alimentaires Territoriaux, PAT), promote both, sustainable food production and consumption (Marechal et al., 2018). These policies thus engage in innovative approaches that address not only physical food environments but also economic and socio-cultural dimensions influencing dietary habits. While it has been demonstrated that these projects protect agricultural land, expand urban agriculture, and reorient public procurement, their broader impacts on diets and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) remain underexplored.
This research addresses this gap by examining how these local food planning initiatives influence foodscapes and dietary behaviors in six Mediterranean sub-regions of France. Using a mixed-methods approach, we combine multi-level statistical analyses with in-depth case studies to assess the transformative potential of local interventions. First, we assess the capacity of these policies to reshape the physical (e.g., local markets, sustainable food access), economic (e.g., pricing strategies, subsidies), and socio-cultural (e.g., educational campaigns, public procurement) dimensions through a systemic approach of foodscapes (Vonthron et al., 2020). Second, we use a quantitative questionnaire developed by Lulovicova and Bouissou (2023) to track dietary shifts towards environmental sustainability, accounting for socio-demographic variables, rural versus urban contexts, and local infrastructure. The objective is to compare changing behavioral patterns with regional objectives and interventions. Lastly, we analyze the environmental implications of these dietary changes by assessing GHGEs linked to evolving consumption patterns using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology.
Preliminary findings reveal a shift in local policies from prioritizing physical infrastructure to emphasizing socio-cultural dimensions of foodscapes. While earlier efforts focused on improving access to fresh food mostly through food relocalisation interventions, recent strategies highlight fostering a culture of sustainable eating via awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and local food networks. Such a shift underscores the growing recognition that lasting sustainable food planning requires reshaping consumption habits and social norms. Early evidence suggests that these initiatives have had some success in promoting sustainable dietary behaviors among the surveyed population. However, many interventions focus on non-intrusive, “soft” policy instruments, such as informational campaigns, which may not be sufficient to induce substantial behavior change (Mattioni, 2021). Consequently, the preliminary findings indicate that the estimated dietary changes may be insufficient to achieve significant short-term reductions in GHGEs. Additionally, early data suggest that rural and urban sub-regions exhibit distinct behavioral responses, highlighting socio-spatial inequalities in access to sustainable food options between coastal cities and rural areas.
This research underscores the critical role of local food planning in addressing sustainability challenges and advancing net-zero targets. Cities and planners are beginning to recognize the importance of integrating food systems into urban and rural planning, yet significant gaps remain in understanding how to influence dietary habits effectively. Addressing these gaps is essential for achieving long-term environmental, social, and health objectives. By exploring the interactions between regional food planning, foodscapes and climate, our research offers valuable insights into how local policies can transform food systems, promote sustainable diets, and reduce emissions. These findings have broader implications for aligning regional planning with global frameworks such as the EU Green Deal and the Paris Agreement, providing actionable strategies for cities seeking to address food sustainability and climate change.
References
Lulovicova, A. and Bouissou, S. (2023) Environmental Assessment of Local Food Policies through a Territorial Life Cycle Approach. Sustainability, 15(6), 4740. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064740
Maréchal, G., Noël, J., and Wallet, F. (2018) Les projets alimentaires territoriaux (PAT): entre rupture, transition et immobilisme? Pour 234-235, 261–270. doi: 10.3917/pour.234.0261
Mattioni, D. (2021) Constructing a food retail environment that encourages healthy diets in cities: the contribution of local-level policy makers and civil society. The International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture and Food 27 (1), 87-101. https://doi.org/10.48416/ijsaf.v27i1.81
Méjean, C. and Recchia, D. (2022) Urban foodscape and its relationships with diet and health outcomes. Proc Nutr Soc.Dec, 81(4), 272-278. doi: 10.1017/S0029665122002701
Pothukuchi, K. and Kaufman, J. L. (2000) The Food System: A Stranger to the Planning Field, Journal of the American Planning Association, 66(2),113–124. doi: 10.1080/01944360008976093
Vonthron, S., Perrin, C., Soulard, C-T. (2020) Foodscape: A scoping review and a research agenda for food security-related studies. PLoS ONE 15(5), 1-26. e0233218. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0233218
| Keywords | Foodscape; Sustainable Diets; Climate Change; Case Study |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
