Local food strategies: the Montemor-o-Novo experience

Abstract

This article aims to discuss how food has become a critical component in defining local and territorial strategies, examining a specific case: the food strategy for Montemor-o-Novo. To achieve this, the article begins by focusing on previous research on food policy councils to highlight their importance in urban planning. Then, it centres on the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, examining the document Estratégia Alimentar para Montemor-o-Novo (cmmn, 2019). Starting from a general framework on the emergence and relevance of food policy councils, the article emphasizes the importance of local dynamics in the establishment of the Montemor-o-Novo Food Council and in the definition of a local food strategy, discussing concepts such as governance, local and “eating well”.