Economic Crisis as a Catalyst for Food Planning in Athens

Abstract

In the light of the current Eurozone crisis, an increasing number of Athenians from all walks of life are forced to cut spending on staple goods, such as food. Food poverty in the context of a European metropolis is the result of inadequate households' income, as well as limited choices of sourcing food in the city due to food retail sector consolidation. Corporate retailers have been criticized for greed and unethical pricing practices. The current crisis can be seen as a catalyst for change, a turning point of the homogenized food geography of Athens. Food poverty is one of the most remarked signs of the urban crisis. The time has come for the Athens Municipality to assume a leading role in urban food planning and formulate a Food Policy Plan for the city.