The MKBA uses fieldwork at 23 of the 32 known food initiatives in Amsterdam-Noord and weights this to the total. The study by New Economy grounds its figures in direct observation. Covering most of the network makes the results robust. Without a calculation, the social value of informal food initiatives stays invisible, while the cost of inaction keeps rising.
A social cost-benefit analysis values the network’s benefits against public spending and avoidable social costs. This is relevant for municipalities, city districts and organisations working on food security, poverty and public health.