About Us

Connecting people, knowledge, and policy for a better food system.

Why we exist

Our food system is failing us. It is unsustainable, offers unhealthy options, and leaves nutritious food out of reach for low-income individuals. Obesity, alongside malnutrition, stands as one of the most pressing issues of our time.

However, more and more residents in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area are demanding greater control over their food choices. The Food Council MRA is here to help mend this broken system.

Our Approach

The Food Council wants to play a pioneering role in the transition to a sustainable, healthy, transparent and fair food system in the metropolitan region. We undertake a multi-pronged approach to address the issue

Systemic Approach

The Food Council MRA advocates for a systemic approach, emphasising coherence across the entire food cycle. From production to residue processing. Key chain parties include farmers, banks, transporters, industry, catering, consumers, and recycling.

Regional Perspective

The Food Council bridges the gap between global and local players. It seeks smart connections between old and new parties in the food chain through meetings, knowledge dissemination and activities .

Citizen's Initiative

The Food Council MRA creates open channels between established players and newcomers.

We listen, connect citizens to knowledge and partners, and help turn small actions into lasting, systemic change

Structure of Food Council MRA

The Food Council MRA was established in December 2017. Four years later, in 2021, the 'A Matter of Food Foundation' was established to manage the funds. On November 8, 2024, the platform Food Council MRA Association was born.

Today, the two wings of the organisation, the Foundation and the Association, pursue the same goals and work closely together.

Foundation

The Foundation was established for the management of projects and events, including the management of funds for the Food Council

Explore the Foundation

Association

The Association focuses on implementing food democracy and food sovereignty in the Metropolitan Region of Amsterdam

Explore the Association

Key Targets

Improve the accessibility and affordability of good food for all residents of the region.

Restore biodiversity and soil fertility

Strengthen and renew of the regional economy and application of the circularity principle.

Involve as many groups as possible within society.

Both the Foundation and the Association are built on collaboration as their fundamental working method. They share the belief that food system transformation cannot happen in isolation and have the following targets to achieve its goals by connecting diverse stakeholders across sectors.

Preserve the agricultural landscape in the metropolitan region

Increase the quality of greenery in the cities.

Realise the sustainable regional logistics that connects the rural area with the cities.

Increase Nature-inclusive production of agricultural products.