Thanks to the excellent work and cooperation among Trinity College Dublin (Anna Davies, Hyunji Cho), University of Barcelona (Marco Vedoa, Robert Martinez Varderi), and the Wageningen University (Ana Maria Gatejel), a new publication has been released under the CULTIVATE project that charts the dynamic transformation of urban and peri-urban food sharing initiatives (FSIs) in Milan and Barcelona. Drawing on a novel longitudinal mapping approach and grounded in principles of critical and diverse economies, the study traces how FSIs, including community gardens, social kitchens, and surplus food redistribution efforts, have shifted in number, form, and function since 2015.
The research reveals that the number of FSIs has more than doubled in both cities over the past ten years, while most of the original initiatives identified in 2015 are no longer active, signalling a significant evolution of the sector. By focusing on digitally mediated FSIs, the paper provides crucial new data on the often-invisible food networks operating beneath the radar of traditional policy frameworks.
These insights offer important contributions to global efforts for just food transitions, helping to document diverse food geographies, shape new spatial imaginaries, support food democracy, and advocate for equitable access to sustainable food systems. The methodology, co-designed with local actors and multilingual partners, underscores the potential of critical mapping to inform urban food policy and planning.
The full publication is available at this link.
Photo credits: Leonardo Improta
