Is sustainable food inclusive? Reflections from fieldwork in Liège, Belgium

[en] This article examines the discourses and practices surrounding sustainable food within the food transition movement in Liège. More specifically, it addresses the issue of inclusivity – a key aspect of the movement’s local development. On the one hand, the article explores the approach adopted by some local institutions and associations in initiatives that promote sustainable food. On the other hand, it examines the experiences and narratives surrounding sustainable food of a group of migrant women from diverse backgrounds. This dual perspective allows for a critical examination of the rationale behind the food transition process in the city, as well as the challenges and opportunities involved in engaging with a diverse public. The article contributes to the ongoing scientific and societal debates on the inclusivity of sustainable food by presenting two key arguments. Firstly, the analysis of local transition processes has revealed the emergence of a situated approach in the city that nuances the understanding of sustainability and its promotion among the population, thereby shaping specific urban resilience in the process. Secondly, the adoption of an intersectional approach to studying individuals’ experiences of food choice has allowed to show complex meanings of sustainability and the factors influencing the definition of appropriate food.

Research Center/Unit :

IRSS-CEDEM - Institut de recherches en Sciences Sociales. Centre d'Études de l'Ethnicité et des Migrations - ULiège

Disciplines :

Anthropology

Author, co-author :

Mescoli, Elsa ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Institut de recherche en Sciences Sociales (IRSS) > IRSS: Centre d'Etudes de l'Ethnicité et des Migrations

Language :

English

Title :

Is sustainable food inclusive? Reflections from fieldwork in Liège, Belgium

Publication date :

27 January 2026

Event name :

Shaping Gastronomy: Regenerating Food Systems and Societies

Event organizer :

International Society for Gastronomic Sciences and Studies

Event place :

Pollenzo, Italy

Event date :

26-28/9/2024

Audience :

International

Journal title :

Food, Culture and Society

ISSN :

1552-8014

eISSN :

1751-7443

Publisher :

Taylor & Francis, United Kingdom

Special issue title :

Sustainable food and cultural diversity: Discourses and practices.

Peer review/Selection committee :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Additional URL :

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15528014.2025.2609061?src=

Commentary :

https://www.internationalgastronomicsociety.org/congress-overview

Available on ORBi :

since 01 October 2024

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