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Devex spoke to Food Culture Alliance lead Eva Monterrosa about how the Alliance aims to mobilise culture as a means of countering the private sector’s push toward poor consumer habits.

With COP29 well underway, the impact of global food systems on climate is once again in focus. In wealthier regions, food often takes a back seat to lifestyle spending, where convenience and low cost are prioritised over nutrition and sustainability. This brings up an important question: should wealthier societies rethink their spending habits and cultural values around food to better support a nutritious and sustainable future for all?

How do wider cultural changes, such as technology and social media, women’s economic empowerment, demographic shifts, and evolving gender roles redefine women’s identities and reshape how women feel about, think about, and value food?

Policy can drive widespread behaviour change, but when aligned with culture, the impact can be even greater.

On its own, culture can shift perceptions and drive impact. So what happens when you align policies with culture?

Our case study paper, explores this, diving into the success of the reduction of tobacco consumption in the UK using this combined socio-cultural policymaking strategy.

In March 2024, we hosted our very first Creative Circle event bringing together creative minds to learn from and collaborate with industry experts. Read about how we can craft new and innovative narratives to solve the challenges to healthy and sustainable diets.

Institutions are important because they help situate us in the world. Learn how the Food Culture Alliance wants to work through institutions to shape society’s preferences towards nutritious and sustainable foods. 

Lawrence Haddad, Gunhild Stordalen, and Dan LeClair advocate in DevEx for the role of food culture in promoting healthier and more sustainable consumption choices.

As COP28 takes place in Dubai, we’re excited to see an increased focus on the role food systems play in tackling the climate crisis. The Food Culture Alliance aims to secure culture a seat at the table.

To celebrate the public launch of the Food Culture Alliance, Eva Monterrosa shares the journey the Alliance has been on and how we plan to achieve our ambitious vision.