As climate change becomes a global crisis, how can we all make a difference?

Food is a cause of climate change, with the industrialised food system responsible for up to one-third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Food is also a victim of climate change, as changing weather patterns and flooding affect crops and those who depend on them worldwide.

Your choices can make a difference.

Food is also a solution to climate change. Sustainable agriculture and biodiversity reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, preserve the fertility of the land, increase carbon capture in the soil, and slow down desertification.

By choosing local food from sustainable sources, we can all play our role as individuals, families and communities.

Our #menuforchange.

In October, Scotland is joining the global Slow Food #menuforchange campaign, not just to raise awareness of food’s impact on climate change, but to suggest simple ways that each one of us can help reducing that impact.

So, we’re asking everyone to cook a #50milemeal at least once a week during October, sourcing all the ingredients from local producers within 50 miles.

Scottish chefs who are part of the Slow Food Chef Alliance will also be taking part during October, culminating in an event on 6^th November with a #50milemeal theme.

Spread the #50milemeal word online.

If you’re taking the challenge of cooking one #50milemeal every week in October, don’t keep it to yourself. Let everyone see your creation with a picture or recipe on social media.

Use the hashtag #50milemeal and if there’s enough space #menuforchange too. And follow us on Twitter @slowfoodscot too.

Let’s show the world what Scotland is doing to fight climate change.

Think global, eat local.

Supporting local food, the people who produce it and their communities is a real (and delicious) way we can all make a difference to the world we live in.

Everyone, starting with the food they eat daily, can do something for the future of our planet. Let’s all start on 1 October.