Understanding Food Systems: Ireland & UK
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe the main parts of the Irish and UK food systems, explain key challenges, and understand the importance of a system approach for improving diets, sustainability, and fairness.
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Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to describe the main parts of the Irish and UK food systems, explain key challenges, and understand the importance of a system approach for improving diets, sustainability, and fairness.
What do you already know about how food reaches your table in Ireland and the UK?
What is a Food System?
A food system includes everything from producing food, processing, transporting, buying, eating, and dealing with waste. It shows the journey food takes from farm to table and beyond.
Food System Activities
Key activities: producing food, processing & manufacturing, selling in shops & restaurants, consuming, and managing waste or surplus.
Why Change is Needed
The current food system helps the economy and provides jobs, but it also causes pollution, climate change, and does not ensure everyone has healthy food.
Challenges in Ireland and the UK
Farming causes lots of greenhouse gases, especially from livestock. Both countries also rely on imports.
Environmental Impact
Health & Fairness
Over 60% of adults are overweight. Lower-income families struggle more to get healthy food. Some people don’t have enough to eat.
The Co‑Centre and Food Framework
The Co‑Centre brings together experts and groups from Ireland and the UK. Together they made a framework to guide research and actions for better food systems.
How the Framework Was Created
Researchers talked to people from government, industry, and community groups. They gathered ideas, needs, and worries to design a shared model.
What Drives the Food System?
Many things shape the food system: the environment (water, land, air, wildlife), social factors (inequality, skills, rules), and economy (prices, jobs, trade, technology).
Aims of a Good Food System
Healthy Planet & People
Support farmers, fair jobs, and food that respects cultures and traditions.
Strong & Fair Economy
Reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and help everyone eat well.
Feedback and Change
The framework shows how changes in one part can affect others. Solutions must look at the whole system, not just one problem.
How Can the Framework Be Used?
People can use the framework to share ideas, make plans, measure change, and make sure food policies help meet health and environment goals.
Key Takeaways
The Irish and UK food systems need change for health and sustainability. The Co‑Centre’s framework helps everyone work together for a better food future.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
