Food Fairness Illawarra is a collective based in the Illawarra region of Australia, which offers various tools to local citizens and stakeholders to encourage and facilitate their commitment to a sustainable, fair and resilient food system.
Context
The Illawarra region is located in New South Wales, Australia. Wollongong, one of Illawarra's largest cities, is facing some worrying public health issues: the percentage of obese people is 33.4%, compared with 30.9% nationally. Only 7.4% of the population consumes the recommended daily intake of vegetables. A 2009 study revealed that 59% of adult Australians did not have sufficient information about health and access to healthcare.
The project
In 2005, to enable everyone to eat healthier, more affordable food, a community coalition was formed: the Food Fairness Illawarra (FFI), made up of representatives from six key organizations (Healthy Cities Illawarra, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Kiama Municipal Council and the University of Wollongong). FFI now has a broad network of over 1000 members (community groups, charities and non-governmental organizations) who recognize the need for collaboration between community, industry and government to deploy solutions for a more equitable food system.
The Food Fairness Illawarra website offers a range of tools to encourage people in the Illawarra region to take part in building a fairer food system.
A fair-trade food directory
On its website, FFI provides a directory of all the initiatives in the Illawarra region that are part of the development of fair, sustainable and resilient food. These range from community gardens to restaurants whose menus feature products from environmentally-friendly agriculture. This inventory is accessible to all, and highlights the initiatives that exist in the region.
The practical guide to fair food
FFI has also produced a practical guide to raise public awareness of the importance of sustainable, resilient food. The guide offers recommendations and advice on 6 major themes:
- ensure food security for all ;
- grow your own food ;
- shop locally;
- buy sustainably and ethically produced food;
- eat well;
- reduce waste.
Little extra
In response to growing food insecurity, FFI has begun working with OzHarvest, Australia's leading unsold food recovery organization. The site includes a guide that makes the case for donating surplus food, as well as advice on how to donate.
In addition, awareness campaigns and events are created around food-related themes. Recently, the collective led a campaign to fight against the proposed siting of a McDonalds in the center of a local village.
This sheet was produced by Magda Salvatore, Let's Food intern, in June 2021.
Last modification : 30 Jan 2024.
Food Fairness Illawara
Food Fairness Illawarra is a collective based in the Illawarra region of Australia that offers a range of tools to local citizens and stakeholders to encourage and facilitate their commitment to a sustainable, fair and resilient food system.