Food insecurity in Victoria: Problem representation, policy response and perspectives within local government

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Abstract

P1.009 - Food insecurity in Victoria: problem representation and policy response within local government Authors: Miss Vivien Yii1 , Dr Sue Kleve1 , Dr Claire Palermo1 Affiliations: 1Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Clayton, Australia Abstract: Background: Food insecurity is considered an intractable problem requiring action from federal to local governments. VicHealth's Food for All (FFA) program (2005-2010) supported 10 Victorian local governments to address food insecurity, yet little is known about its longer-term influence on food insecurity being considered a policy 'problem'. This research examines the progression of policies to address food insecurity in this setting since FFA's conclusion. Methods: A purposive sample of 10 Victorian local governments, funded to address food insecurity as part of FFA, were examined. Bacchi's 'What's the Problem Represented to Be' methodology informed document analyses of relevant council policies (2000-2018), and will guide semi-structured interviews with key council policy officers. Interviews, to be conducted and analysed by August 2018, will explore the representation of the 'problem' of food insecurity within council policy, including the origin and impacts of this representation. Results: Document analyses have revealed that FFA local governments demonstrate varied policy support and ways of viewing food insecurity. This presentation will focus on the interview findings, including reasons for the diversity among these councils in how food insecurity is considered. Conclusion: This research highlights how the Victorian FFA program has influenced policy action, an important strategy for addressing food insecurity within local government. Learning objectives: Attendees will be able to discuss: (1) How food insecurity policy action by local governments in Victoria has progressed since FFA's conclusion (2) The origin and impacts of the representation of the 'problem' of food insecurity within a sample of Victorian local government
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 5 Jul 2019
EventFood Governance: The role of law, regulation and policy in meeting 21st century challenges to the food system - University of Sydney Law School, Sydney, Australia
Duration: 3 Jul 20195 Jul 2019
https://sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/sydney-law-school/news/Food%20Governance%20Conference%20Program.pdf

Conference

ConferenceFood Governance
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period3/07/195/07/19
Internet address

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