Making Lemonade – Putting food back at the heart of culture

It can at times feel like we are gazing undivided into the future. A tedium fear of the unknowing where technological development continues at exponential rates, the prospect of food inflation, the B-word, rising mental health and falling productivity. But moving away from what may or may not happen, is it more important to highlight the importance of great food?

This is why EP has created, with partners, ‘Food at the Heart of Culture’ a campaign to showcase the importance of food and service in an age where ‘Health is the new wealth’ continues to become of greater importance.

This campaign focuses on the importance of food, nutrition and sustainability and includes caterers, hoteliers, suppliers, innovators and city clients who believe in its importance. Food can have such a significant role financial and productivity impact.

Key Agenda

• Food inflation is a concern and a threat
• In the battle against mental health, food can play a vital role
• Every building will seek innovation in design and service
• The importance of dwell times and relaxation and reward
• Nutrition, diet and health plus the fight vs. obesity
• The commercial model
• Employment and the technological debate

Why now?

• Full-time employees spend 35% of their waking hours at work, their psychological and physical wellbeing should be a priority
• One in four are suffering from mental health and eight out of ten workers with a mental health condition say shame and stigma prevent them from seeking treatment. (Kaiser Permanent study)
• Whilst research varies on the numbers in the UK. Recent reports suggest 7 per cent of Brits are now vegan, a growth of around 10 per cent per year in the last decade.
• The UK’s productivity lags behind many others.

Companies already involved:

Amadeus, apetito, City Pantry, Delaware North, Dine Contract Catering, Food First, Good Eating Company, IndiCater, Prestige Purchasing, Sodexo, Thomas Franks, Winnow.

Along with 15 city organisations and Universities.