Photo : © Julia M. Cameron
Thursday News: Is food democracy possible?
With Bénédicte Bonzi, anthropologist and author of "La France qui a faim: le don à l'épreuve des violences alimentaires" (2023) and Olivia Braconnier, anthropologist and researcher at INRAE. Meeting moderated by Nora Bouazzouni, journalist and author of "Violences en cuisine, une omerta à la française" (2025).
Bibliothèque François Villon (Paris 10th)
About
UNESCO defines food democracy as "the citizens' claim to regain power over how to access food, by reconnecting it with agriculture." It considers that access to healthy, varied, and quality food is a right that must be guaranteed to everyone. Many projects are emerging to this end, such as the Social Security for Food, which proposes creating social rights that guarantee the right to food, the rights of peasants and farmers, and environmental protection.
But in a country where one in ten people benefits from food aid, how can this ideal be achieved, especially for those in precarious situations? Regarding the agricultural world, which faces its own difficulties, how can production requirements be reconciled with the needs and desires of consumers? What can the different actors in the food chain (producers, distributors, restaurateurs) do, and what can public authorities do?
Bénédicte Bonzi is an anthropologist and author of La France qui a faim: le don à l'épreuve des violences alimentaires (Seuil editions, 2023).
Olivia Braconnier is an anthropologist and researcher at INRAE. She is currently conducting a study on the trade-offs between food self-sufficiency, environmental preservation, and health in the production and consumption choices of actors in the French agri-food system (ANR SouvNutri Project). As part of a participatory research approach, Olivia Braconnier will be recording certain exchanges during this meeting, with a total anonymization guarantee, in order to integrate them into her analysis.
Nora Bouazzouni is a journalist, author, and translator. She has notably written Violences en cuisine, une omerta à la française (Stock, 2025) and Mangez les riches – La lutte des classes passe par l’assiette (Nouriturfu, 2023).
Bénédicte Bonzi ; Credits: © Emmanuelle Marchadour / éd. du Seuil Olivia Braconnier ; Credits: © A. Scudera Nora Bouazzouni ; Credits: © Chloé Vollmer-LoOur take on this event
Your plate holds far more than just food; it is a battleground for social rights and agricultural ethics. Join a deep dive into the concept of food democracy, where anthropologists and writers unravel how we can make healthy, sustainable eating a universal reality rather than a privilege. An essential conversation for anyone curious about the future of what we consume.
The Bibliothèque François Villon hosts a discussion on food democracy on Thursday, November 19, 2026. This event explores how to ensure universal access to healthy, quality food while balancing environmental sustainability and agricultural labor rights. Featuring anthropologists Bénédicte Bonzi and Olivia Braconnier alongside journalist Nora Bouazzouni, the session examines the systemic challenges of current food production and distribution. Designed for adults aged 18 and over, attendance is free. The venue is located in the 10th arrondissement and is fully wheelchair accessible. Join this insightful evening to debate whether a truly democratic food system is achievable in modern society.
Join us on November 19, 2026, from 19:00 to 21:00 at the Bibliothèque François Villon for an in-depth conversation regarding food democracy. As one in ten people in France relies on food aid, this session addresses the urgent need for structural changes, analyzing how stakeholders—from producers to public authorities—can reconcile production demands with consumer needs and environmental health.
The panel includes anthropologists Bénédicte Bonzi and Olivia Braconnier, as well as author and journalist Nora Bouazzouni. For her research on the SouvNutri project, Olivia Braconnier will record parts of the discussion; all contributions will be kept strictly anonymous. The event is open to individuals aged 18 and older.
Participation is free of charge, though registration is mandatory. You may secure your spot by contacting the library staff in person, by phone, or via email. The venue is located at 81, boulevard de la Villette, 75010 Paris, and provides full accessibility for wheelchair users.
19°C
Weather forecast
Forte pluie
