Chapter 14: Food Security and Sustainability

Food security

Requires the feeding of the population along with availability, access, utilization, and stability.

Nutrition security

Requires food security and high-quality, nutrient-dense foods.

Outcomes of food insecurity

Overnutriton and undernutrition

Lack of money and poverty

Main reason for hunger in the US and developing countries

Obesity and poverty

Energy-dense, low-quality foods are often cheaper than nutrient-dense, high-quality foods. Those in poverty may only be able to afford the energy-dense foods. Food deserts can also contribute to the lack of fresh foods.

SNAP

The largest government program that allows low-income families and individuals to receive monthly funds on an EBT card to buy eligible groceries.

SNAP eligible products

Fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, pasta, grains, baby food, and non-alcoholic beverages.

WIC

A program that helps mothers, infants, and children get healthy foods and healthcare.

NSLP

A program providing low-cost or free lunches for children in school.

Sustainable food system

A food system that meets the current population’s needs without compromising future needs or economic, social, and environmental needs. It depends on agriculture, food production, and consumer behavior.

Sustainable diet

A diet that supports optimal health while having a low environmental impact.

Foods that produce more greenhouse gasses

Animal products, beef, and dairy

GMO

Foods that have been genetically altered.

Pros of GMOs

Enhanced sustainability, taste, texture, supply and growth

Cons of GMOs

Unexpected, harmful genetic changes, disruption of natural organisms, pest resistant, production of allergen proteins

100% organic

All ingredients and processing aids must be organic with no use of artificial pests or fertilizers.

Organic

95% of ingredients must be organic.