Fixing food together: transitioning Ireland to a healthy sustainable food system – CHA position paper

Abstract

Abstract Problem The Climate & Health Alliance (CHA) is a coalition of medical, health and advocacy organisations that seeks to highlight the significant health co-benefits of addressing the climate crisis. Our global food system contributes to diet-related chronic disease and has resulted in climate change, pollution, biodiversity collapse and nature loss. A healthy sustainable food system is needed to minimise interrelated obesity, climate change and malnutrition pandemics. Description of the problem The CHA conducted an extensive literature review to: 1. Demonstrate the need for a food system transition ; 2. Identify Ireland's challenge areas ; 3. Make recommendations for a healthy sustainable diet in the Irish context; 4. Recommend policy-level actions for Ireland. The CHA launched ‘Fixing Food Together’ in May 2023. We identified six challenge areas for Ireland: 1. Ending the junk food cycle; 2. Promoting transition to a more plant-based diet; 3. Harnessing the power of international and national guidelines; 4. Reducing food waste; 5. Improving agricultural practices and land use; 6. Using policy to affect behaviour change. Results The CHA presented individual-level recommendations for future Irish dietary guidelines, including breastfeeding, ultra-processed foods, protein foods and food waste. Seven policy recommendations were made: 1. National guidelines; 2. Regulations/laws; 3. Research, processing and technology actions; 4. Financial actions ; 5. Agricultural actions; 6. Public institution actions; 7. Public awareness actions Lessons ‘Fixing Food Together’ represents the first time a healthy sustainable diet and food system has been defined for an Irish context. The cross-sectional nature of the alliance provides a valuable consensus from its member organisations. It brings an often missing public health perspective to the climate and food systems dialogue. Key messages • Our current food system is harming human and planetary health. • ‘Fixing Food Together’ identifies Ireland’s challenge areas and makes recommendations to transition to a healthy sustainable food system.