The "Menu of actions to shape urban food environments for improved nutrition" has been developed by GAIN, the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP) Secretariat and the RUAF Foundation as a reference document that seeks to meet this need. It contains a large number of examples of policies and programmes, from countries in every region and in all income bands, to inspire and encourage other cities to initiate actions.
Urban governance for nutrition is the process of making and implementing decisions that shape sustainable food systems to deliver better nutrition for people in cities. The Framework on Urban Governance for Nutrition and the guide for implementation provide guidance on how city governments and stakeholders can determine appropriate actions to address urban nutrition priorities.
Over half of the world’s population live in cities. By 2050, it is expected that almost 7 out of 10 people will reside in cities, with 90% of this growth occurring in Africa and Asia. Urbanisation is linked to increasing rates of overweight and obesity, yet undernutrition is also prevalent in cities. These areas are confronted by an increasingly complex challenge to address malnutrition in all its forms.
This document makes the case for cities to increase their focus on policies and practices that improve the consumption of safe and nutritious food. Urbanisation contributes to shifts in lifestyle, consumption patterns and economic activities, which may lead to adverse outcomes in poor diet and nutrition.