How can we achieve food security?

What are the 4 elements of food security?

• Food availability (supply side)

• Food access (incomes, markets, prices)

• Food use (food prep and diversity)

• Food stability (consistent weather, politics)

When does food security exist?

When all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy lifestyle.

How are plants grown for food altered?

Plants grown for food are altered using genetic engineering.

What can genetic engineering offer?

Extra nutritional value and increase yield too.

What products are most often genetically modified?

Cotton, soy beans, maize and canola.

What is a good example of a GM product?

GM rice - golden rice, contains beta-carotene (vitamin A) from carrots.

What is the downside of GM crops?

Little is known about their long-term effects.

Where is a good example of food contamination?

Uganda.

How has food contamination occurred in Uganda?

• Quality of their maize is low.

• Aflatoxins contamination from fungus.

• Cassava must be dry so fungus doesn’t grow. Soil must also be treated.

• Contamination increases risks of liver disease.

What do food banks do?

• Distribute food to those in hunger.

• Global Food Banking Network’s partners provide food and support to more than 32 million people in 50 countries.

How much food is wasted in the US?

40% of US food is wasted.

Why is food labelling crucial?

Must understand what food labels mean. When a date passes, foods may still be able to be eaten.

Date is set by manufacturers, not necessarily linked to food safety.

What are the 3 strategies to increase food security?

• Increase food production

• Reduce post-production losses

• Reduce growth in demand