The food system has significant potential to influence the wellbeing of individuals and the planet. Addressing challenges within the food system requires integrated solutions that take into account the complex interconnections with other systems and multiple stakeholders. In our increasingly urbanized world, cities are key players in fostering just and sustainable transformations. Due to their close relationships with residents, businesses, and community organizations, they are in a position to develop integrated policies that address different concerns at different levels, both horizontally (i.e. sectoral and territorial) and vertically (i.e. multi-level).

This report aims to offer a deeper insight into the topic of integrated urban food policies (UFPs) with the objective of informing and inspiring pilot actions and experimentation.

Following an initial exploration of fundamental concepts tied to food policy integration from around the world, this report analyses thirty notable selected examples of urban food policies currently in practice.

Finally, the report provides recommendations that are tailored for both municipalities and Living Lab teams. These recommendations serve as practical guidelines, outlining strategies to ensure comprehensive approaches for the integration of urban food policies into existing frameworks, thus facilitating a tangible shift towards the establishment of sustainable and integrated urban food systems.