It's a pivotal moment for Melbourne's food system. What comes next is up to us all

'Field Notes' is a fortnightly column in which Regen Melbourne's Lead Convenors provide on-the-ground updates and insights from their work and focus areas.

Between the cost of living, climate change, COVID, and conflict, the deep flaws in our food systems have been laid bare. Dheepa Jeyapalan reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

We're living in a pivotal moment in our nation's relationship with food. The flaws in our food system have become impossible to ignore. That's why I'm so thrilled to be here with Regen Melbourne.

Vandana Shiva once said, "Food is the currency of life." Sadly, this currency is flowing through a corporatised, extractive, and unhealthy economic system.

The three Cs – climate change, COVID, and conflict – have intensified this struggle, making it a universal issue. We've seen empty supermarket shelves, rising grocery bills, and longer lines for food relief.

The deep flaws in our food system are laid bare. Yet, this moment has also brought food system innovations into the mainstream, including discounted food stores likeCheaper Buy Miles, co-ops, and farm-direct fruit and veggie boxes.

"Vandana Shiva once said, 'Food is the currency of life.' Sadly, this currency is flowing through a corporatised, extractive, and unhealthy economic system."

Over the past six months, there have been multiple federal and state inquiries into our food system, including two in Victoria. Finally, food is on the agenda!

Between our ideas and the grand challenge lies a crucial element: our earthshot. It's the shape of where we want to go; something we can rally around.

Mariana Mazzucato explains: "By setting the direction for a solution, missions do not specify how to achieve success. Rather, missions stimulate the development of a range of different solutions."

I'm excited to have joined Regen Melbourne to collectively imagine what our earthshot should be. Just as RM has declared for aSwimmable Birrarung, there is a shape of something for us in food.

Are you passionate about transforming Melbourne's food systems? Reach out atdheepa@regen.melbourne.