SHAPE-Asia: Building a regional community of practice to unite Asian nations for healthier food systems and policy environments

 

Rapid changes in food environments have been characterized by the increased availability of cheaper, energy-dense, low-nutrient products, negatively impacting nutritional and health outcomes. Food marketing is still largely unregulated across different channels, including in the food retail outlets, which contribute to the promotion of unhealthy food products. Significant challenges persist, due to a lack of political will as well as the influence of the large-scale producers and retailers of unhealthy products. National governments are also sensitive to perceived economic impacts of regulation and policy change.

This project aims to build a collaborative learning network, SHAPE-Asia, with food environment stakeholders across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The goal is to generate regionally specific knowledge through shared learning to support food policy actions. Using participatory research methods, the project will undertake research and analysis that will serve as the empirical basis for policy recommendations and advocacy for healthy food retail and marketing practices. This process will be supported by peer learning and South-South capacity building through workshops and trainings supporting healthy food environment advocacy.

This project is part of a cohort supporting diverse and multi-actor coalitions that take on a leadership role to influence policies and transform food systems at the country and regional level in Central and South America, South Asia and Southeast Asia.