FAIR Food

To be truly representative, inclusive, and fair in our food systems work, we must acknowledge that many people experience marginalisation and are underrepresented due to multiple forms of discrimination and oppression. This is why we have developed FAIR food – a framework for action on inclusion and representation in food systems work for Sustainable Food Places

FAIR food is a structured framework for action organised around organisational culture, practice, and people, prioritising 4 key underrepresented and minoritised groups to focus on:

1. People marginalised and discriminated against because of their race

2. The under-representation of young people

3. People with lived experience of food insecurity

4. Farmers, food producers and fishers

The FAIR food ethos will be incorporated into Sustainable Food Place’s guidance, resources and tools. It will be backed up by training and action planning support, embedded within SFP’s membership and awards criteria, and celebrated through the FAIR food STAR, recognising and celebrating significant achievements focused on representation and justice.

FAIR food has been co-developed by and for local food partnerships through a thorough, far-reaching participatory process.  Read more about the co-design process of FAIR food here.

Why FAIR Food?

The UK Government’s Equalities Act of 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on nine protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

FAIR food acknowledges this as a basis but also recognises additional barriers such as education and financial exclusion – factors that must also be considered when fostering inclusive participation – as well as an understanding that people can experience discrimination in different, intersecting ways based on multiple aspects of their identity.