Citizen engagement in the development of local food environment policy

Obesity rates in the Netherlands have tripled in the last forty years with a current 51% of people being overweight and 16% having obesity. Over the years, the food industry has enabled food intake to be more convenient and inexpensive. The high availability and marketing of these foods in our food environment has led to a change in eating behavior: more people snacking, eating out and spending less time cooking meals at home. Research shows that disadvantaged neighbourhoods are more likely to have unhealthy food environments and have higher rates of diet related diseases than prosperous areas.

Creating healthier food environments is an urgent and complex challenge for municipalities. Conflicting norms, beliefs and needs exist among residents around this topic. Interference in the food environment can be perceived as patronizing and a threat to the freedom of choice. Collaboration between residents and municipalities can foster inclusive decision making and increase support for decisions made. However, municipalities currently lack clear insights and tools to cooperate with residents on such complex issues.

In this project, we will evaluate whether a participative backcasting approach will promote a shared vision among residents and municipalities on creating a healthier food environment, and whether this approach increases engagement, legitimacy, and consensus for policies on the local food environment. The acquired knowledge and practical tools will be consolidated into a roadmap for municipalities to use.

This research project is a collaboration between Amsterdam UMC, Wageningen University and municipalities of Ede, Amsterdam and Rotterdam and is funded by ZonMw