2. Ways to be a Food Citizen

While food is an issue that concerns everyone as we all eat, not everyone has a deep-seated interest in food-related issues. There are lots of people who just want to eat their food and are not interested in participating in the development of food systems. Does the concept of Food Citizenship apply to them? Does it apply to all of us?

It does, because there is more than one way to practice Food Citizenship.

One of them – a very central one – is consumption. This can be seen as being an ACTIVATOR role; consuming food creates demand, which activates the whole system. Another way to practice Food Citizenship is to be the CHANGEMAKER, one who starts producing and manufacturing food in a different way, creating the supply in the system. Yet another way to be a Food Citizen is to be an ENABLER; one who makes it easier and more possible for activators and changemakers to act, providing inputs, services and platforms for them. And finally, one way is to be a SUPPORTER; to facilitate change by creating structures and supports that make change possible or even nudge others towards change.

Each of us can take on one, several or even all of these roles, in different situations. On a practical level, there are also several different ways to engage with the food system. These range from buying and eating food more intentionally to becoming involved in food production and everything in between.