In the run up to the Paris Climate Summit in December, expert national and local speakers are converging at Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester on Wednesday October 28th to stage the Square Meal Debate.
Addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time – how to feed ourselves healthily, sustainably and equitably in the face of a growing population, endangered ecosystems and a changing climate – the Square Meal Debate has attracted huge interest already.
The two part event begins with expert-led workshops on farming, food for all, wildlife conservation and public health followed by a delicious feast of local and sustainable food.
“The 60 workshop spaces booked up very quickly with people from all over Dorset – a clear indication that there’s real appetite for such a discussion in this county. Now we hope as many people as possible will join us to take part in the debate itself,” says Linda Hull, local food co-ordinator for Communities Living Sustainably in Dorset.
Doors open to the general public at 7pm for the evening debate which will focus on issues highlighted in the Square Meal Report, namely that there is overwhelming evidence calling for a major overhaul of food and farming policy in the UK to also protect public health and wildlife. In order to create a healthy food system – good for all, for farmers, for animals and for the planet too – there’s a pressing need for collaboration, political will and leadership.
Speakers representing some of the report’s national authors, the RSPB and Soil Association, will discuss these issues with Dorset based spokespeople from the Landworkers’ Alliance, the National Farmers Union and the Bournemouth Sustainable Food City Partnership.
Rebecca Knox, County Councillor for Beaminster Ward and Cabinet Member for Communities, Health & Wellbeing and Community Safety, will chair the panel discussion and public questions. “Achieving public health and wellbeing outcomes is closely linked to access to healthy, sustainable diets. We’re making progress on this in Dorset but there is a lot more work to be done to make sustainable eating and farming the norm. The Square Meal Debate is a step in the right direction.”
This free event is staged by a partnership led by Communities Living Sustainably in Dorset, supported by the Big Lottery Fund. Tickets for the debate will be available at the door but booking will ensure your seat.
To view the full programme and to book your place visit https://thesquaremealdebate.eventbrite.co.uk or for more information call Linda Hull on 07834 561219