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Every City a Food Growing City? What Food Growing Schools London Reveals about City Strategies for Food System Sustainability

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  • Hannah Pitt

    (Sustainable Places Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3BA, Wales, UK)

  • Mat Jones

    (Bristol Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK)

  • Emma Weitkamp

    (Science Communication Unit, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK)

Abstract

Cities have emerged as leaders in food system innovation and transformation, but their potential can be limited by the absence of supportive governance arrangements. This study examined the value of Food Growing Schools London (FGSL) as a programme seeking city-wide change through focusing on one dimension of the food system. Mixed methods case study research sought to identify high-level success factors and challenges. Findings demonstrate FGSL’s success in promoting food growing by connecting and amplifying formerly isolated activities. Schools valued the programme’s expertise and networking opportunities, whilst strategic engagement facilitated new partnerships linking food growing to other policy priorities. Challenges included food growing’s marginality amongst priorities that direct school and borough activity. Progress depended on support from individual local actors so varied across the city. London-wide progress was limited by the absence of policy levers at the city level. Experience from FGSL highlights how city food strategies remain constrained by national policy contexts, but suggests they may gain traction through focusing on well-delineated, straightforward activities that hold public appeal. Sustainability outcomes might then be extended through a staged approach using this as a platform from which to address other food issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Hannah Pitt & Mat Jones & Emma Weitkamp, 2018. "Every City a Food Growing City? What Food Growing Schools London Reveals about City Strategies for Food System Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:8:p:2924-:d:164233
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

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    3. Szymon Dziuba & Anna Cierniak-Emerych & Blanka Klímová & Petra Poulová & Piotr Napora & Sylwia Szromba, 2020. "Organic Foods in Diets of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-17, February.

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