This study examines how 16 initiatives across Europe are addressing ‘wicked’ food system issues by mobilising local networks and implementing changes in urban and peri-urban regions. It identifies 6 propelling mechanisms that bring about small wins that could lead to systems change. 

This research finds that urban food policies in the Global North do not meaningfully consider immigrants and their experience of food. It argues many urban food policies promote dominant and nationalist understandings of healthy and sustainable food without recognising immigrants’ food-related knowledge and skills. 

This report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) calls for the strengthening of urban and peri-urban food systems amidst rapidly expanding urbanisation and rural transformation. It provides detailed and context specific policy recommendations to improve food security and nutrition and is guided by the principles of the right to food and the right to the city.