Food and Society is based on a vision of a future food system that provides all segments of society, especially those most vulnerable, a safe and nutritious food supply, grown in a manner that protects health and the environment, and adds economic and social value to rural and urban communities. This future food system is one in which Good Food – that is, healthy, green, fair and affordable food – is abundant. Healthy, as in it won’t cause chronic illness. Green, as in it was produced in a manner that is environmentally sustainable. Fair, as in no one along the production line was exploited for its creation. Affordable, as in people of all socioeconomic backgrounds can purchase and access it.
Originally launched in 2000, Food and Society entered its second phase of funding in 2006, continuing to pursue its bold vision by serving the growing social movement to change our food system, with the end goal being a food system where at least 10% of retail food sales go toward Good Food (currently, about 2% of sales go toward Good Food). We call this social movement a Good Food Movement.
Late in 2007, the Kellogg Foundation restated its mission, to reinforce that the Foundation “supports children, families, and communities as they strengthen and create conditions that propel vulnerable children to achieve success as individuals and as contributors to the larger community and society.” In short, the mission of the Kellogg Foundation is to support and provide new opportunities for the most vulnerable in our society.
Under this restated mission, investment in the food system remains a core focus for the Foundation. So, Food and Society continues its food system reform work in 2008, but now with a sharper focus for our 2-10% goal: ensuring that a changed food system is a benefit to vulnerable populations. Since the most vulnerable in our society are those who currently enjoy the least access to any food, let alone Good Food, vulnerable children and their communities should be the primary beneficiaries of a system abundant with Good Food. We recognize children are parts of larger contexts, so we seek to capture and invest resources into community based food systems that add value to the entire chain of food production. This is a process of innovation and discovery, and we are excited at the prospect of growth for this initiative, and of developing new relationships with organizations that will complement and enhance the work we have been committed to for almost a decade with Food and Society, and for over 75 years as a Foundation.
Please stay tuned as we continue to refine Food and Society’s goals and strategize around the Foundation’s restated mission. More information will be made available throughout 2008 as we move forward in creating the future of Good Food with our partners and grantees. Thanks for your interest in this initiative.