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Food Council MRA Association
Is committed to food democracy, offering opportunities to involved citizens to (co-)shape a healthy, sustainable, and just food environment at the level of the metropolitan region and the municipalities within it.
The Need
The food system is undeniably complex, and many people feel little to no involvement in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. This lack of knowledge and engagement breeds indifference, powerlessness, and dissatisfaction. As a result, the broken food system contributes to the democratic deficit in our society, both in the Netherlands at large and in the Amsterdam metropolitan region specifically
Our Mission
This is precisely where the Food Council MRA steps in.
The Food Council MRA association plays a vital role in advancing the transition to a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable regional food system. It serves as a facilitator, initiator, and organiser of events, as well as a disseminator of relevant knowledge and a connector of diverse stakeholders. Above all, the council bridges the gap between citizens' initiatives on the one hand, and the institutional frameworks of businesses and governments on the other.
Empower Marginalized Voices
We provide a platform for underrepresented groups in the food system, including individuals seeking affordable, healthy, and sustainable food, low-income families, cultural minorities, and those with specific dietary needs.
Be an Information Hub
We create a centralized space for gathering and sharing information about the local and regional food system, highlighting key bottlenecks and challenges.
Facilitate Collaboration
We serve as a meeting point for diverse stakeholders across the food chain, including farmers, transporters, logistics experts, marketers, and financial institutions, to foster collaboration and innovation.
Advocate and Inform
We act as a resource to inform and connect various parties, such as governments, farmers' organizations, supermarkets, and banks, to promote dialogue and collaboration within the food sector.
Become a Member
We invite citizens and organisations in the region to become members of the Food Council MRA. and drive radical improvement in our food system.
With the support of the 'A Matter of Food Foundation', you'll have access to resources and a network of passionate individuals ready to make a difference together
Connect and Collaborate
with organizations and individuals committed to transforming the food system
Co-create Solutions
together with citizens, entrepreneurs, administrators, and experts
Drive Change
to a food system that is more sustainable, healthier, and fairer for everyone
Membership is priced at a nominal fee of 25 Euros per year that primarily covers some of the organization's structural costs (administration, fundraising), which is run by volunteers.
Pillars of our Work
Food Democracy
Creating opportunities for diverse groups across the metropolitan region to make their voices heard on improving the regional food system, regardless of income, education, or ethnic origin
Board of the Association
The association's General Assembly strives to create democracy and food sovereignty in the Amsterdam metropolitan area.
Arnold van der Valk
Chair
Ciska Ulug
Member
Ying-Tzu Lin
Member
Sarah Essbai
Treasurer
Henkjaan Laats
Secretary