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A Matter
of Food
Foundation
Is committed to strengthening short food chains and advancing a food system that is sustainable, healthy, and transparent. This is achieved through balanced value creation across economic, ecological, and social interests.
The Need
The food system is broken: 15% of the Amsterdam region cannot afford healthy food, while profit-driven production depletes the environment and concentrates power among corporations. Health, sustainability, and equity are deeply interconnected, yet governance remains fragmented. Most citizens feel disconnected and powerless, deepening a democratic deficit.
Our Mission
The A Matter of Food Foundation participates in the transition to a healthier, more sustainable, and fairer regional food system. It facilitates innovation and experiments to build bridges between government, the business community, and citizen initiatives.
Our pillars of work include:
Insight & Analysis
Gaining a deep understanding of the regional and local food system for mapping flows, identifying bottlenecks, and uncovering opportunities for change
Knowledge & Participation
Sharing accessible information and creating space for diverse voices, ensuring that citizens, policymakers, and partners are informed, engaged, and empowered to act.
Co-Design & Experimentation
Designing, testing, and iterating solutions together with partners for a grounded approach in real-world experience and adapted to local contexts
Collaboration & Network Building
Connecting governments, scientific institutions, citizen initiatives, and market parties within food policy networks to learn from past experiences and shape future solutions together.
Our Objectives
The foundation's objectives are based on collaboration, experimentation, learning, knowledge sharing, and participation
Behoud het agrarische landschap in de metropoolregio.
Verbeter de kwaliteit van het groen in de steden.
Realiseer duurzame regionale logistiek die het platteland met de steden verbindt.
Stimuleer de natuurvriendelijke productie van landbouwproducten.
Verbeter de toegankelijkheid en betaalbaarheid van goed voedsel voor alle inwoners van de regio.
Herstel de biodiversiteit en de bodemvruchtbaarheid.
Versterken en vernieuwen van de regionale economie en toepassing van het circulariteitsprincipe.
Betrek zoveel mogelijk groepen binnen de samenleving.
Board of Foundation
Henkjaan Laats
Secretary
Jan Willem Schans
Chair
Sarah Essbai
Treasurer