How resilient is London’s food network?

Around 99 per cent of the 6,347,000 tonnes of food and beverages that supply London are imported from outside the city, with local production and farming accounting for less than one per cent of the capital’s food supply.^[1]

The reliance on importing food and drinks into London highlights limited local production and reliance on long supply chains.

Increasing food production in and around cities is a potential way to reduce ‘food miles’ – the distance the food has travelled – and to ensure local supply in case of global challenges.

Is enough work being done to ensure London’s food systems are sustainable for future generations?

The London Assembly Environment Committee will meet tomorrow to look at the resilience of London’s food systems, how sustainable the food systems are, and to investigate potential opportunities for growth within the locally grown sector and to better connect local communities with food growing.

Guests at the meeting include:

• Sheila Dillon, Food journalist
• Nick von Westenholtz, Director of Trade and Business Strategy, National Farmers Union
• Sarah Williams, Programmes Director, Sustain
• Brian Kelly, Director, OrganicLea
• Claire Pritchard, Chair, London Food Board
• Mark Ainsbury, Food Policy Manager, Greater London Authority (GLA)

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 7 February from 2pm, in The Chamber, at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

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