Examining the Resourcefulness of War Time Recipes to Develop Future Urban Food Systems for Singapore

Singapore is an anomaly in that despite producing only 10% of its food to meet local needs, it was ranked the fourth most food-secure country in the world, according to the 2017 edition of the Global Food Security Index. This is achieved through a heavy dependence on the global food supply and through the diversification of sources. Yet, considering the recent coronavirus pandemic, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the growing threats from the impacts of climate change, how does Singapore adapt to enhance its food security? Understanding wartime diets through recipes and food stories can be an important method for addressing food system challenges exacerbated by climate change. Wartime periods, marked by resource scarcity and rationing, offer valuable insights into resilient food systems and adaptive dietary practices. By examining historical approaches to food production and consumption during times of conflict, and the endemic edible vegetation of Singapore, we can glean strategies to mitigate the impact of climate-induced disruptions on food production and distribution. During conflicts, nations implemented rationing programs, promoting moderation and reducing waste. Such measures compelled populations to adopt diverse, nutrient-dense diets and minimize reliance on resourceintensive foods. These practices are increasingly relevant today as climate change threatens agricultural productivity and strains natural resources, necessitating sustainable food consumption patterns. This is especially so for Singapore, which is highly dependent on other countries to meet its dietary needs. Wartime experiences highlight the importance of local food production and community resilience. In response to disrupted supply chains, communities turned to home gardens, collective farming initiatives, and localized food networks to supplement rations. These decentralized food systems promoted self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on vulnerable global markets, offering a model for building climate-resilient food systems resilient to supply chain disruptions caused by extreme weather events. How might we reference past scenarios, mapped to current context to help us develop strategies and systems to address future needs? In conclusion, insights from wartime diets offer valuable lessons for addressing contemporary food system challenges arising from climate change. By promoting resourcefulness, decentralization, and equity in food production and distribution, Singapore can enhance resilience and adaptability in the face of environmental uncertainty.