Natalie Neumann

Overview

Description of Research Topic:

Cities are becoming places of transition aiming to tackle problems associated with the current food system. In Europe and the UK, this is reflected in the development of urban food strategies aiming to build more sustainable, healthy and equitable food systems, partly by addressing inequalities in access to healthy food.

Farmers’ markets, as channels for providing local and seasonal food in urban areas, are supported in urban food strategies. They sustain livelihoods for small farmers and can increase access to fresh food in communities, as well as, provide multiple other benefits. However, their potential to fulfil the goals of urban food strategies has been challenged. Evidence from the US has shown that farmers’ markets tend to serve more affluent communities and can be exclusionary places for different groups.

An evidence gap exists in the UK as to whether the governance of farmers’ markets is contributing to the wider goals of urban food strategies. My study therefore explores the governance of farmers' markets in London, specifically in the context of urban food strategies, and in relation to building more equitable urban food systems.



Research Interests:
• Urban food environments
• Inequalities in access to healthy food
• Alternative Food Networks
• Local Food Systems
• Environmental impacts of the food system
• Public health
• Food security
• Urban food policy

Qualifications

1. MSc Global Health and Development, University College London, United Kingdom, Jan 2011 – Jan 2012
2. MSc Clinical Molecular Science, Maastricht University, Netherlands, Jan 2009 – Jan 2011
3. BSc Molecular Life Science, Maastricht University, Netherlands, 2006 – 2009

Title of thesis: Urban Food Governance and Equity: A Case Study of Farmers' Markets in London

Oct 2016 – Oct 2019

Summary of research

Cities are becoming places of transition aiming to tackle problems associated with the current food system. In Europe and the UK, this is reflected in the development of urban food strategies aiming to build more sustainable, healthy and equitable food systems, partly by addressing inequalities in access to healthy food.

Farmers’ markets, as channels for providing local and seasonal food in urban areas, are supported in urban food strategies. They sustain livelihoods for small farmers and can increase access to fresh food in communities, as well as, provide multiple other benefits. However, their potential to fulfil the goals of urban food strategies has been challenged. Evidence from the US has shown that farmers’ markets tend to serve more affluent communities and can be exclusionary places for different groups.

An evidence gap exists in the UK as to whether the governance of farmers’ markets is contributing to the wider goals of urban food strategies. My study therefore explores the governance of farmers' markets in London, specifically in the context of urban food strategies, and in relation to building more equitable urban food systems.