As we approach the end of the year, it is a great opportunity for Australia’s Right to Food Coalition (the RTF Coalition) to reflect on their achievements in 2020. This year has been a challenging year to say the least, with the COVID-19 crisis shining a light on the issue of food insecurity and the right to food for all in our communities.
The RTF Coalition has been working hard this year on resetting our direction to ensure we are effectively communicating with and supporting our wider network in NSW and across Australia.
The RTF Coalition has accomplished a number of achievements during 2020. This includes:
- Launching our new branding and website, full of resources and blogs.
- Releasing a response on the COVID-19 crisis.
- Hosting quarterly virtual discussions for the NSW chapter to network and discuss advocacy priority areas.
- Revitalising the Victorian RTF chapter, with the help of Elisha West and Vivien Yii, to help further the Coalition’s mission.
- Continuing to support right to food research conducted by Dr Rebecca Lindberg, Liza Barbour and Dr. Stephanie Godrich.
- Supporting two student interns from Macquarie University who conducted research on the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity in Greater Sydney and Illawarra regions.
- Releasing a blog for Anti-Poverty Week, accompanied by a food mapping and directory resource.
- Representing the RTF Coalition on the One Bite Podcast series.
- Signing the Sustain Urban and Regional Food Declaration.
- Responding to a variety of requests and enquiries from our RTF members.
We, as the RTF Coalition, are proud of these achievements as we are a totally voluntary coalition. Special thanks goes to our organising committee members, predominantly in NSW and Victoria, who have put in a lot of work into the Coalition’s 2020 activities. We would also like to thank all of our members who regularly participate in virtual catch-ups, share information, and provide advice throughout the year – your input has been and continues to be invaluable.
As we plan for 2021, we encourage all who are interested in being actively involved in the RTF Coalition to get in touch through righttofoodcoalition@gmail.com. Your contribution, no matter how small, will help the Coalition work towards a more sustainable, healthy and fair food system for all.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season until our activities next year!
Amy Lawton, Liz Millen and Chantelle Vella
NSW RTF Organising Committee Members
