Despite numerous initiatives, food insecurity remains a persistent problem in European cities. People affected do not always have sufficient or healthy food and often rely on cheap, less nutritious alternatives.
Interdisciplinary social scientist Jonathan Luger's research shows that attempts to address this problem not only provide relief, but sometimes contribute to its perpetuation.
Luger studied how municipalities, civil society organizations and researchers are working to reduce food insecurity under the guise of sustainability. The focus was on one question: how do they deal with the tension between direct action and changing the underlying systems that cause food insecurity?
Paradox
Luger's research shows that many initiatives have a dual effect. More sustainable forms of food assistance and communal policies offer people short-term support, but often operate within the same social structures that perpetuate food insecurity, such as inadequate social services, poverty, and a profit-driven food system. This creates a paradox: organizations actually help people move forward, but at the same time have limited ability to address the causes of the problem.
At the same time, Luger also identifies hopeful developments. Local initiatives in particular show that other forms of support are possible. Projects that pay attention to personal circumstances, social relationships and mutual trust appear to offer more room for sustainable change.
Initiatives must fit within broader social systems
The findings are relevant for municipalities, civil society organizations and policy makers working at the intersection of poverty reduction and sustainable food policy. According to Luger, it is not enough to expand food aid or establish new sustainable food projects. Equally important is how these initiatives fit within broader social systems.
"My results tie in with current discussions about rising costs of living and growing inequality in cities. In the short term, municipalities can improve their approach by combining food aid with social support and strengthening local networks. In the longer term, structural changes in policies and social services are needed to effectively reduce food insecurity," Luger said.