Sustainable & Resilient
Food Systems
Working with not-for-profits, communities, industry and government to reshape Australian food systems through leveraging public food procurement.
Leah Galvin - Project Consultant and Churchill Fellow
I pay respect to the traditional and original owners of the land on which I work, the muwinina people. I pay respect to those that have passed before us and acknowledge today’s Tasmanian Aboriginal people who are the custodians of this land and that this land remains unceded.
Will our current food systems serve us in an uncertain future?
Australia's food system is at a turning point.
COVID-19 exposed just how quickly our food supply chains can be disrupted. Today, our food system is responsible for around one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, many Australian households continue to experience food insecurity, and our farmers and producers face increasing pressure from rising costs, climate impacts and highly concentrated supply chains that limit their resilience and market opportunities.
Yet within these challenges lies one of Australia's greatest opportunities for change.
Every year, Australian governments spend an estimated $2.13 billion purchasing food for hospitals, residential aged care, correctional facilities, Defense and other public institutions. This purchasing power is far more than an operational necessity—it is a powerful policy lever that can shape markets, strengthen local and regional economies, improve public health, support sustainable farming, reduce food waste and build more resilient food systems.
Imagine if every public food dollar delivered multiple benefits: healthier meals for people, stronger regional businesses, better returns for farmers, lower emissions, less waste and greater resilience in the face of future shocks.
By rethinking how we buy food, governments can help create food systems that work for people, communities and the environment. Systems that safeguard livelihoods, regenerate landscapes and biodiversity, shorten supply chains, reduce emissions, and ensure everyone has access to healthy, seasonal and sustainably produced food.
The opportunity is already in our hands. The question is not whether we can afford to transform public food procurement—but whether we can afford not to.
Hello, I'm Leah Galvin
As a consultant and Churchill Fellow, I bring over 30 years experience of project and program management in all areas of food systems, regional development and community health and wellbeing.
How can I help you achieve your objectives and create impact?
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Projects
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Program design, implementation and evaluation
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Research, mapping and scoping
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Community, government and sector engagement and collaboration
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Policy and strategy making
Jennifer Robinson, CEO Sprout Tasmania
“Sprout has worked with Leah on multiple projects over the last few years and her expertise, integrity and collaborative approach are second to none. Leah is able to provide guidance on the broader state and even national context within which our projects sit, drawing on her many years of experience in nutrition, food systems and government policy across many states. Leah is a pleasure to work with and we will continue to look to work and collaborate with her on future projects. "
Andrew Hillier, CEO Loaves and Fishes Tasmania
"Working with Leah makes challenging tasks simple. Leah's expertise and guidance have enabled us to keep our focus towards innovation, flexibility and doing our work in a way that will truly make a difference to the people we serve. Leah’s approachability and responsiveness has helped us promptly identify and move on new opportunities.
Leah takes the time to understand and provides feedback accordingly. Her attention to detail and commitment to workable outcomes have made her a pleasure to work with.
We highly recommend Leah . Her expertise, professionalism, and passion for what she does is exceptional."