Abstract

The values associated with food are framed and constructed by market-based systems that assign attributes to different foods across the marketplace. The aim of the paper is to conceptualize the range of non-financial as-pects associated with food in the literature examined and a typology is introduced to position a new set of non-financial food values, the alter-values, which support the creation of a more holistic approach to visualize and reimagine a more sustainable, resilient food system that readdresses and respects such values. The four alter-values of interest are intrinsic values, production related, supply chain related and emotio-cultural values, discussed in the context of changing food environments, and a visualization of the typology is presented to ex-plain them. By focusing especially on intrinsic and emotio-cultural values, an adaptation of the current food environment beyond pecuniary-based emphasis is possible. Such an approach helps to challenge the structure of the conventional food system towards a more citizen-driven sustainable model, altering priorities, with a drive towards embedding values and going beyond perceiving food only in terms of exchange value, to considering food as a vital aspect of life.