This discussion paper was developed in the ROBUST Sustainable Food Systems Community of Practice. It draws from the academic evidence base to examine the practicalities and merits of operationalising local food policy for the public plate in Monmouthshire. The main sections cover:

• The policy background in Monmouthshire and Wales;
• What local food is and where ‘local’ extends;
• Why local food is advocated and whether evidence supports claims for environmental, health and economic outcomes;
• How local food relates to the public plate and the opportunities and challenges involved.