Amsterdam, The Netherlands – Laudes Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Annelies Withofs as Head of its Food Programme focused on accelerating the just transition of the food industry.
The food industry is at the heart of the climate crisis - responsible for nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, over one-third of food produced is wasted, generating nearly 10% of global emissions. The urgency to transform food production, distribution and consumption is apparent.
Annelies brings a wealth of experience leveraging philanthropic investments for change, including in the agriculture and food sectors during her last role at IKEA Foundation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Annelies to Laudes Foundation at this critical time. Annelies brings the vision, leadership and expertise needed to drive a just transition in the food system from urgent need to reality. Her strategic acumen and track record in supporting strong coalitions for change will help drive Laudes’ new Food Programme to impact.”
Amol Mehra, Director of Industry Programmes at Laudes Foundation
Annelies holds Steering Committee roles on the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, Aceli Africa, the Consortium for Agroecological Transformation India and the WRI Circular Food Systems Initiative East Africa - a testament to her influence on key advancements in the field.
“I’m very excited at the opportunity to work at Laudes Foundation to address one of the world’s most pressing challenges - turning our food system into one that is healthy, fair, and good for climate and nature. The task at hand is to galvanise efforts, currently led by civil society, progressive industry partners and agile policy makers to drive solutions towards a more plant-forward, inclusive and circular future.”
Annelies Withofs
Laudes Foundation’s Food programme is focused on:
- Empowering cities to drive demand for sustainable products and reduce food waste;
- Engaging food retailers, wholesalers, and food service companies to shift consumption patterns and minimise waste;
- Supporting circular food system innovations; and
- Promoting the inclusion, agency and accountability for workers and communities throughout the supply chain as these changes take effect.
About Laudes Foundation
Laudes Foundation is an independent foundation that supports brave action to inspire and challenge industry to transition to a green, fair and inclusive economy. We are driven by the belief that
business, when guided by values, rules and incentives, can be powerful agents for positive change. Our approach combines the catalytic power of philanthropy to work with and through business and industry to advance system change.
We focus on driving a just transition in four key industries with outsized impact on climate change, nature loss and inequality: built environment, finance and capital markets, fashion and food. Across these industries, we have cross-cutting programmes in labour rights and narratives, and support initiatives to unlock capital for transitions across all industries.
Founded by the Brenninkmeijer family business owners, Laudes Foundation builds upon six generations of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, working collaboratively alongside a wider network of philanthropic organisations.
Learn more about Laudes Foundation's Food programme
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