Contextualising food policy to the citizen: Religions as a paradigm

Abstract

Food is integral to all cultures but is expressed in ways particular to each culture. Many different values are involved in food, its growing, preparation and consumption, beyond those understood by a primarily consumer model, especially in relation to religions. This paper contends that any promotion of more ethical patterns of consumption and lifestyle must be done in the context of cultural and religious factors. This is illustrated by an international study on whether GM foods would be considered 'taboo' in ten major religious traditions, in which the author took part. The responses revealed varied insights about food in different religions. To commend an external set of values, like a universal food citizen codex, would approach the question from the wrong angle. Religions already embody values conducive to addressing the major environmental and social challenges. Experience of environmental action in UK churches suggests that inducing guilt about our misuse of nature disempowers people. It is more effective to encourage people to put more into practice what they believe, focused by global challenges. Remaking the connection between 'what I eat' and 'where food comes from' is best done in the context of people's basic beliefs, religious or otherwise.