On Thursday 27 August 2020, FReSH along with partners Bitácora Social and Sigma Alimentos launched a toolkit looking at food consumption habits and patterns in Mexico, with the goal of shifting diets and helping people make healthier and more sustainable food choices.
With obesity, diet-related non-communicable diseases, climate change, and biodiversity loss on the rise around the world, and a global pandemic wreaking havoc on supply chains and public health, significant food system reform is in order. Food companies have an important role to play to help consumers achieve optimal levels of health and well-being around the world, and Mexico is no exception – 70% of Mexicans qualify as overweight or obese.
FReSH, Bitacora Social and Sigma Alimentos explore together practices, beliefs, attitudes, and opportunities around shifting food consumption in Mexico to create positive changes for people and the planet. Acknowledging that Mexico is a diverse country with many food consumption patterns, we explore the relationship that different Mexicans have with food: how do Mexicans choose what to eat? What views are held related to responsible, healthy and sustainable eating? What social factors drive food choices? What meanings are associated with different food-related words and concepts such as ‘sugar’, ‘natural’, and ‘organic’?
This toolkit aims to help companies build messages around desired lifestyles and identities, promoting habits and foods that improve health and well-being.