Goal 2: Zero Hunger is part of a planned series, titled Sustainability in the Pub, of expert panel discussions that aim to bring sustainability issues facing Tasmanians into the public forum.

Led by the University of Tasmania’s academics and industry experts, the series will focus on the United Nation’s 17 sustainable development goals. The inaugural event will explore food justice and busting the myths on food security in the state. 

Passionate Tasmanian foodie Curly Haslam-Coates is co-hosting with UTAS Associate Professor Fred Gale.

“The speakers are all based up here in Northern Tasmania and have a longstanding interest in food security, food justice and food production,” Associate Professor Gale said.

The United Nations defines food security as existing when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet dietary needs for a productive and healthy life.

Food insecurity occurs when people go hungry, eat a poor quality diet or rely on emergency relief. 

“There would be a lot of community interest in the fact that Tasmania provides excellent high-quality food both for Tasmanians, Australians and internationally, yet we still surprisingly have food deficits locally,” Associate Professor Gale said.

In 2016, research conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services found food insecurity was worsening in Tasmania and was more common in disadvantaged communities.  

Associate Professor Gale said it is not good enough that there are Tasmanians going hungry and the social consequences of hunger are myriad. 

“If we focus on this one issue we can see how it ramifies in other areas. It perpetuates social disadvantage that we want to see ended,” he said. 

The panel features UTAS food lecturer Dr Sandy Murray, UTAS Associate Professor of Sociology Vaughan Higgins and City of Launceston councillor Andrea Dawkins and will held from 5.30pm to 7pm at St John Craft Beer Bar on Tuesday. 

Entry is free, but attendance needs to be registered at www.eventbrite.com.au/.