In this episode of The Policy Pod, we discuss Mapping Southampton's food system a Centre for the south funded collaboration between the University of Southampton School of Biological Sciences and Southampton City Council. This work intended to shine a light on food inequalities at a local level, mapping the food system and listening to the voices of the community to inform policy. Dr Jenny Baverstock and Lucy Scullard discuss this work highlighting: The economic, health and environmental impacts of the local Food system in Southampton.

They discuss the fact that locally, almost 1 in 3 businesses in Southampton are part of the food system. These provide over 6,700 jobs and contribute up to £487.3 million to Southampton’s economy per year (Figures as of 2024). However, over 40% of local people have reported experiencing food insecurity (Figure for 2023) and rates of childhood obesity are significantly higher in Southampton than the average for England 2022/23. Whilst the food system is also linked to a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

The Mapping Southampton's food system: Towards a healthier and more sustainable future set out recommendations and has led to the formation of a city wide Southampton food partnership which has, since 2024, become a member of the Sustainable Food Places network.

For further information of the work discussed get in touch Email: J.Baverstock@soton.ac.uk and publichealth@southampton.gov.uk or Sotonfoodmap@soton.ac.uk

Get involved

Southampton Food Partnership welcomes new members as it is very much an evolving group. Please get in touch to be added to the distribution list and receive updates and invites to meetings. sotonfoodpartnership@gmail.com

For further information discussed in the Podcast please see the links below:

Policy brief

Tackling Childhood Obesity in Southampton

Blog posts

Southampton food partnership

Southampton data observatory