Who are you?
My name is Cody Regan, the Community Outreach Leader of the UOW Community Garden. My role is to spread awareness of the community garden in the local community of Wollongong and neighbouring suburbs surrounding the University of Wollongong. Our work in the garden as a whole contributes to a fairer food system by providing fresh fruit and vegetables for those struggling to afford groceries. A fair food system is one in which everyone regardless of where they come from or economic status have access to nutritious food.
What is your favourite thing about food?
The utility of value food provides to our everyday lives besides health and survival. Food brings people together whether we are talking about the holidays, social barbeques, or even intimate dinner between partners. Food can also be artistic especially in the dessert business or even comforting us with a soup when we are sick or a cheeky choccie to help get through a breakup. Food has an intimate role across many areas of our lives and interactions among one other and who cannot forget to mention the beauty of taste.
What does “Ensuring Food Security for all” mean to you and your work?
One of the pillars of rights every human is deserving is access to food. Food security ensures a fundamental human right is readily available for all without individuals having concerns or anxieties about when their next meal will be. Our planet has the capability of sustainably feeding everyone with healthy nutritious food, as well as the necessary technology and infrastructure to do so. I believe society will be vastly improved as a result of food security for all and is the morally right thing to do. Therefore, my work brings meaning by knowing it will be contributing to a better greener world.
What is the one action that the folks here can help you with or support your work?
Simply spreading awareness and encouraging the benefits of community gardens which can be set up in more locations to provide food security in local communities whilst also having a positive impact on the planet.
