Reading Town Meal 2013 Question Time Debate
A more serious side to the Town Meal took place at the Town Meal Debate in the Great Hall, at the University of Reading's London Road campus on Wednesday 2 October 2013. Town Meal organisers and the University brought together an expert panel to debate “Should Our Food be Cheaper?”
- We have got used to relatively cheap food in this country, but at what cost? Who pays the price?
- Do we need to bring food prices down further so that everyone can afford to eat well?
- Does cheap food mean low prices for our farmers and pitiful wages for overseas agricultural workers?
- Intensive farming and rearing has brought a revolution in affordable food but what's the impact on animals and the environment?
The free event involved lots of audience participation in this 'Question Time' style debate with MC Vice Chancellor Sir David Bell and our expert panellists
- Quentin Clark, Head of Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing at Waitrose
- Richard Gantlett, organic farmer, Yatesbury House Farm, Wiltshire
- Graciela Romero, Head of International Programmes from the campaign group, War on Want
- Dr Carol Wagstaff, from the Centre for Food Security at University of Reading
Read the report on the debate.
Press coverage
"Food politics on the menu at Reading Town Meal debate" in getreading
"Reading University provides food for thought at prices debate" in The Reading Chronicle
"Reading Town Meal and the great food debate" in getreading
