Co-creating a 'Food Doughnut'

DEAL in collaboration with a brilliant group of global food experts are diving into Doughnut Economics and Food with a bold, collaborative co-creation journey.
The goal? A compelling case study that can spark inspiration beyond the food sector.

What we’re doing 

We’ve built a hands-on co-creation process to explore how Doughnut Economics can be used to transform the food system. It’s practical, it’s collaborative, and it’s designed to inspire others interested in transforming whole sectors.

Who’s in the room 

A diverse group of 60+ policymakers, academics, and food experts have joined the effort. The lineup includes representatives from multinational organisations, local food policy councils, NGOs, universities, and local governments. It’s a rich mix of perspectives driving real-world ideas.

The core steps: 

1. Adapt the social and ecological dimensions of the Doughnut to the food system.
2. Apply the seven key principles of Doughnut Economics to deeply transform how we feed communities.
3. Develop tools to design holistic local food policies.

How we’re doing it 

We’re running three online sessions plus one in-person workshop in Rome in June 2026. The process complements the work led by the American University of Rome and aligns with the global network for Food Policy Councils in Action!, coordinated by Professor Laura Prota.

What’s next 

• An in person workshop in Rome, in collaboration with the American University of Rome on June 11 & 12, 2026. The workshop will be focused on tools for developing holistic local food policies through the lens of Doughnut Economics.
• A brief publication, co-authored by the wider team, will be published on DEAL’s website in autumn 2026. It’ll capture the journey, the insights, and the practical tools we’ve developed so others working with food or other sectors can get inspiration.

If you are interested to know more about the project and contribute with your expertise on food system, please reach out to Ilektra Kouloumpi at sectors@doughnuteconomics.org.