Food: Bigger Than The Plate

The future of food is a major global challenge, and Food: Bigger Than The Plate engages with artists, designers, and food professionals to explore diverse and creative ways to reimagine food waste, biodiversity, supply chains, and social empowerment through the politics and pleasures of one of life's greatest necessities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2019
Publisher: V & A Publishing

The future of food is a hotly debated topic, encompassing a wide range of innovations and approaches. From the consumption of edible insects and lab-grown meat to industrial farming and freeganism, there is a growing recognition of the need for significant change in our food systems to secure a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable future. This challenge is widely acknowledged as a major global concern.

Food: Bigger Than The Plate delves into the work of artists, designers, and food professionals who are exploring key activities and relationships through food. It examines diverse and imaginative ways to reimagine food waste, biodiversity, supply chains, and social empowerment through the lens of politics and the joys of one of life's most essential necessities.

One of the central themes of the film is the importance of reducing food waste. It highlights the staggering amount of food that is wasted globally each year, with estimates suggesting that up to one-third of all food produced is either lost or discarded. This waste not only contributes to environmental degradation but also has significant economic and social implications.

The film explores various creative solutions to address food waste, including vertical farming, foodsharing programs, and innovative packaging designs. Vertical farming, for example, involves growing crops in stacked layers, using artificial lighting and controlled environments to maximize yield and reduce water and land usage. Foodsharing programs, on the other hand, aim to redistribute surplus food to those in need, reducing food insecurity and poverty.

In addition to reducing food waste, the film also emphasizes the importance of promoting biodiversity. It highlights the decline in biodiversity and the impact of industrial farming practices on ecosystems and wildlife. The film suggests that adopting more sustainable farming practices, such as agroecology and permaculture, can help to restore biodiversity and promote ecosystem health.

Supply chains are another critical area of focus in the film. It examines the complex and often opaque nature of food supply chains, highlighting the challenges faced by farmers, workers, and consumers. The film suggests that transparency and accountability in supply chains can help to improve working conditions, reduce food waste, and promote fair trade practices.

Social empowerment is another theme explored in Food: Bigger Than The Plate. It highlights the role of food in promoting social justice and equity. The film suggests that food can be a powerful tool for empowering marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequalities. It explores the work of organizations and individuals who are using food to promote social change, such as community gardens, food cooperatives, and urban agriculture projects.

In conclusion, Food: Bigger Than The Plate is a thought-provoking and engaging film that offers a comprehensive exploration of the future of food. It highlights the need for significant change in our food systems to secure a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable future. Through the work of artists, designers, and food professionals, the film provides diverse and creative solutions to address food waste, biodiversity, supply chains, and social empowerment. By engaging with the politics and pleasures of food, the film encourages viewers to think critically about the role of food in our lives and the impact of our food choices on the world around us.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 182 x 250 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781851779765