The intersection of public policy, social equity, and the global food system is taking center stage in a critical dialogue regarding how the structures of governance shape what ends up on our plates. In an upcoming event titled “Une société est ce qu’elle mange: engagement, droits et politique” (A society is what it eats: engagement, rights, and politics), experts are gathering to examine the profound links between food systems, ecological impact, and systemic inequality.
Scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 10 a.m. To 1 p.m. At the Grande Bibliothèque – BAnQ in Montréal, the conference seeks to challenge the traditional view of nutrition by framing it as a political and social issue. The discussion draws inspiration from 19th-century philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach, who posited that human thought is anchored in material living conditions and the connection to the Earth. Today, this perspective is more urgent as human activity continues to irreversibly alter the global ecosystem.
The event will explore how current food systems reflect the societies we have built and continue to construct. By analyzing food sovereignty and the disparities in food insecurity, the panel aims to highlight the pivotal role of public policies in transforming these systems to be more sustainable and equitable.
Expert Perspectives on Food Sovereignty and Policy
The conference features a diverse panel of experts bringing together perspectives from political activism, academia, and urban administration. Among the speakers is Boris Tavernier, an environmental and food activist who transitioned into a political role as a deputy in the French National Assembly. His experience provides a direct link between grassroots advocacy and the legislative processes required to enact systemic change.
Joining Tavernier are researchers Rosanne Blanchet and Malek Batal, both of whom specialize in the study of food systems. Their academic contributions will likely address the structural drivers of food insecurity and the ecological consequences of industrial food production. Together with the panelists, they will examine how the right to food is often compromised by existing social and economic hierarchies.
Adding a critical administrative and urban perspective is Bochra Manaï. Formerly the director of the Bureau des commissaires de la Ville de Montréal, Manaï brings extensive expertise in urban studies and the dynamics of exclusion and inclusion within city neighborhoods. Her background, which includes a doctorate in urban studies and master’s degrees in migration, inter-ethnic relations, and urban geography, allows her to address how urban planning and city-level governance influence food access and systemic inequalities.
The Role of the Bureau des Commissaires in Social Equity
The inclusion of Bochra Manaï highlights the connection between food security and broader human rights initiatives. The Bureau des commissaires was established by the City of Montréal to support the administration in addressing major priorities, specifically focusing on fighting racism and systemic discrimination (including ableism), strengthening relations with Indigenous peoples, and combatting homelessness.
Under the leadership of directors like Manaï, the office assists commissioners—such as the Commissioner for Fighting Racism and Systemic Discrimination and the Commissioner for Homelessness—in their planning and reporting activities. This framework of systemic equity is essential to the conversation on food systems, as food insecurity often overlaps with the very marginalized populations the Bureau is designed to protect.
The event will be moderated by Enrico Agostini Marchese, a knowledge mobilization advisor at the Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire sur la justice intersectionnelle, la décolonisation et l’EDI (CRI-JaDE). Marchese’s role ensures that the academic and political discussions are translated into actionable knowledge, emphasizing an intersectional approach to justice and decarbonization.
Key Takeaways: Food, Politics, and the Environment
- Food as a Political Tool: The event emphasizes that food systems are not neutral but are products of political decisions and social structures.
- Ecological Urgency: The discussion addresses the irreversible modifications of the global ecosystem caused by human activity and the need for a shift in how food is produced and distributed.
- Sovereignty and Inequality: A primary focus is placed on food sovereignty—the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through sustainable methods—and the fight against food insecurity.
- Urban Dynamics: The role of urban administration in mitigating exclusion and promoting inclusion is highlighted as a key factor in ensuring equitable food access.
For those interested in the intersection of public health and urban policy, this event represents a critical examination of how the “material conditions” of life dictate health outcomes. The transition from environmental activism to legislative action, as seen in the career of Boris Tavernier, suggests a growing movement to integrate ecological sustainability directly into national governance.
The conference is organized by UdeM citoyenne and will accept place at the Grande Bibliothèque – BAnQ in Montréal on April 17. Further details regarding the specific policy proposals discussed during the panel may be available through the event organizers following the conclusion of the activity.
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