In partnership with The Food Foundation, Kent has committed to becoming a Right to Food University in response to rising cost of living pressures, the challenges being faced right across the food system and the increasing environmental crisis. The University’s commitment to right to food will be embedded within its research, teaching, and culture, championing the right to sustainable, accessible and healthy food for all.
As part of its commitment, the University is working to ensure that it protects its students from food insecurity – ensuring nutrition and sustainability is paramount across its food services. As a university based in the Garden of England, the Kent will track its progress as a Right to Food institution carefully, sharing its knowledge and expertise with fellow universities, the wider Kent region, and the rest of the world.
Professor Karen Cox, Vice-Chancellor and President, said: ‘Our commitment to the Right to Food goes to the very heart of what we believe a university is here to do – to use our strengths in research and innovation, the passion and commitment of our students and staff, and our deep links with our communities and our region to drive and inspire positive change. We are proud to be a Right to Food University and, in developing our approach and learning as we do so, to share that learning with others.
Anna Taylor, Executive Director at the Food Foundation added: ‘The University of Kent’s trailblazing Right to Food initiative is not only the right response at the right time to the cost of living crisis, but also paving the way for a much bigger role for this anchor institution, in modelling a food system which is fit for the future. We’re thrilled to be involved in developing the vision and missions, learning what works and helping to inspire others to follow suit.’
The University has established four missions as part of its commitment to Right to Food:
- Mission 1: Putting the Right to Food on the World Stage. The University will be a hub for knowledge sharing, innovation and learning on food systems, one that inspires universities and other organisations across the UK and internationally to commit to the Right to Food.
- Mission 2: Transforming Food Systems through teaching and research. Establish Kent as a leading provider of education and research into the role of food in support of human health and a fair society.
- Mission 3: Tackling food insecurity, while promoting a healthy and sustainable food community at the University. The University is taking action to protect students and staff from food insecurity and to promote access to healthy and affordable food that is good for us and the planet.
- Mission 4: Addressing food inequality in our region. County Kent is known as the Garden of England, with acres of land dedicated to food production. However, many communities in County Kent continue to face food insecurity. The University will use its influence to connect and support the region.
A number of initiatives are underway already to support these missions, including healthy, nutritious £3 meals for students at its campuses and research initiatives with industry and the local farming community to reduce waste, to innovate and embed sustainability into the food eco-system. The University will also be working with local community groups to support wider projects around food provision and education, while also embedding the Right to Food within its curriculum.