Understanding Urban Food Policy

Urban food policy (UFP) initiatives are essential for addressing food security, health, and sustainability challenges in rapidly urbanising areas. FoodCLIC’s Report on facilitators of and barriers to the development and implementation of evidence-based and integrated food policies and planning frameworks’ offers a look at 30 urban food policy examples from around the world. This article explores how these policies were analysed and the key insights gained from some of these initiatives.

How the Analysis Was Done

The report’s approach centred on identifying diverse and impactful UFPs using the CLIC framework: Co-benefits, Linkages, Inclusion, and Connectivity. Each example needed to meet at least two of these criteria, demonstrating how policies connect food with broader social, economic, and environmental goals. The selection also considered geographic diversity, policy maturity, and representation from both the Global North and South.

The Urban Food Policies

The report highlights 30 UFPs that showcase various approaches to transforming urban food systems. Ranging from urban agriculture and nutrition programs to economic empowerment initiatives, each example aligns with the CLIC framework, illustrating effective strategies for fostering sustainable, inclusive urban food systems. The following three examples demonstrate how UFPs can tackle local food challenges through integrated, community-focused strategies, providing models for other cities to build resilient food systems:

• Belo Horizonte’s Integrated Urban Food Policy (Brazil): This cross-sectoral policy, implemented in 1993, prioritizes equitable access to nutritious food. Through affordable markets, school meal programs, and urban agriculture initiatives, Belo Horizonte addresses hunger and poverty, serving around 155,000 schoolchildren daily and establishing connections between rural producers and urban consumers.
• Mezitli Female Producers’ Market (Turkey): Focused on social and economic empowerment, this market in Mezitli creates a platform for women, including refugees, to independently sell their produce. The initiative fosters inclusivity and community cohesion, supporting women from various backgrounds to participate directly in the local economy.
• Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Plan (Canada): A ten-year regional initiative developed by seven municipalities around Toronto, this plan links food, farming, and health. It emphasizes consumer education and innovation, supporting local farmers and enhancing regional food system resilience through policy alignment and sustainable practices.

Key Conclusions from the Report

The report underscores the importance of integrated, multi-dimensional food policies in urban settings. While UFPs may focus on different aspects of the food chain—production, distribution, or consumption—the CLIC framework reveals new opportunities for enhancing connectivity between policy areas, leading to more cohesive and resilient urban food systems.

For practitioners and municipal leaders, the report offers actionable suggestions, encouraging cities to adopt flexible policies that promote social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Ultimately, these UFPs serve as tools for guiding cities toward just and sustainable urban futures.

Read the full report here and follow our LinkedIn series on the topic!

Publishing date: 28 January 2025