Right to Food = Right to The City

Through our research and findings, it is evident that the current initiatives in practice are a good stepping stone for a wider practice of establishing food security for the community, however it is not developed enough or at a scale that can provide for a community in crisis. The Addison Road community garden and food pantry are both open public spaces that are accessible by everyone, providing accommodating and inclusive beliefs that allow the people of Marrickville a secure and reliable source of food. Whilst this continues to bring about positive change, aspects such as effects of climate change and worsening food insecurity have caused an increased demand which calls for the reassessing and planning of these precincts. Elements that can be improved include physical accessibility, the planning of the gardens, climate change action plan and making the overall site more visible both physically and digitally to increase community involvement. 

While backyard farming is often seen as a household complementary food security strategy, the cultivation of open space by groups of urban dwellers can be conceptualised as a practice that claims their right to the city (Graham et al. 2006). These food accessibility initiatives present a promising method of enhancing the well‐being, and furthering the resilience of individuals, communities, and the natural environment as the well being of humanity is inextricably linked to the well being of the Earth. Community gardens and low-cost food pantries are evidently helping those in the community who are in need, however for this to effect Australia on a larger more long-term scale, these initiatives need to be funded and expanded on, as only 37 percent of charities said they are able to meet the full needs of the people they are helping (Ireland, 2019).