FOODTALKS begin in Bulli

Food Fairness Illawarra has launched its new initiative FOODTALKS with the first gathering held in Bulli on a warm Wednesday evening on February 15. The host and provider of delicious soup and bread was Suzy Pickles from Saltbush Projects.

The inaugural meeting was attended by a capacity crowd with a common interest in the local food system in the Illawarra. In the room (or, more accurately, on the front lawn) at the home of Suzy and partner Adam were growers, producers, advocates, retailers, and home cooks, all sharing a passion for delicious, nutritious, fair food.

The crowd listened to speakers Berbel Franse, program manager from Healthy Cities/Food Fairness Illawarra, and Sarah Anderson, market gardener and educator from Popes Produce. I have spoken to both of these local fair food leaders in previous newsletters. Also involved in the evening was baker extraordinaire Emma Huber from Millers Bakehouse with expertise in the subject matter as well as the cooking of delicious cakes.

Berbel began by outlining the vision for FOODTALKS and the purpose for getting people together to discuss our local food system. Berbel emphasised that food systems touch on subjects including the environment, economy, governance, culture and health and that we all interact with them.

She talked about the role of Healthy Cities and Food Fairness Illawarra in supporting our local food system, particularly with resources, such as the Fair Food Field Guide and Fair Food Directory and events calendar. Additionally, Berbel’s role now includes local food security, but more on that in coming weeks.

Another Fair Food Illawarra initiative is the Illawarra’s Guide to Sustainable and Healthy Events, which is a ‘how to’ guide for holding a sustainable event covering venue selection, food and drink, promotion and waste management.

Sarah Anderson will be familiar to you as the founder and co-ordinator of Popes Produce in Bulli (read Meet the family who created Popes Produce at Woonona). Sarah is also an educator and works on a garden program with the children at Kemblawarra School.

Some common threads came from speakers and participants – food insecurity is a real and growing problem with recent global and local events showing the fragility of our food supply, there is an issue with the “big three” supermarkets having a hold over our food choices and we need to think collectively, rather than as individuals if we want to improve our food systems. Think backyard gardens, crop swaps and bartering if, like me, you are a better cook than you are a grower.

There is hope, though, with a groundswell for change of people wanting to connect with the story behind their food and wanting food that sourced closer to home.

With the purpose of the FOODTALKS sessions to create conversation, ideas and innovation around local food supply, we are heading in the right direction.

If you would like to be involved, subscribe to the Food Fairness Illawarra monthly newsletter for updates