Birmingham tackling food crime with musical theatre

The Hand That Feeds is a theatrical song cycle about food crime, a widespread and growing problem that affects us all. The project was conceived of by Kate Cooper, founder of The New Optimists: a scientists’ Think Tank which asks scientists “What are you optimistic about?”

The Hand That Feeds is composed by Sara Colman and written by Mez Packer. It follows the story of Robbie, “a hardworking family man” raised in Birmingham, who comes to realise the impact of his role in the food supply chain and the difference he can make.

The project aims to raise public awareness of the issues and the widespread implications of food crime — both locally and nationally — and to create a platform for discussion. The New Optimists’ conviction is that a fun arts-based events can have a big impact in enabling a wider audience to engage in social matters, such as food crime, where the role of science, here the forensics of food fraud, play a big part in making our world a better place.

The project looks to support local businesses and promote the Bull Ring Markets as an excellent place for people to shop for their food. At the markets the public buy directly from the traders who will tell customers exactly where the produce comes from, thereby minimising the risks of food crime.

To read this release in full, please visit The New Optimists’ website