Food security, as defined by the United Nations, means that “all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious foods that meet their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life”. Truly resilient agri-food systems must have a strong capacity to prevent, anticipate, absorb, adapt and transform in the face of any disruption, with the functional objective of guaranteeing food security and nutrition for all and livelihoods and decent incomes for actors in agri-food systems. Borlaug, who also reminded agricultural scientists of their moral obligation to stand up to the anti-scientific crowd and warn policy makers that global food insecurity will not disappear without this new technology, and ignoring this reality, global food insecurity would make it even more difficult to achieve future solutions. According to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, food security is defined as that all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.
While this may seem illogical, it is due to the tendency of people with food insecurity to buy cheaper foods, which tend to have a much lower and higher nutritional content in fats, salt and sugar and refined carbohydrates (starch) (Burns, 200). Other factors that may temporarily cause food insecurity are loss of employment or productivity, which may be due to illness. The way in which households respond to food insecurity influences health aspects such as infectious and chronic diseases, nutritional status and mental health. However, it's important to note that food packages can free up part of the food budget, which can then be spent on buying fresh produce.
Similarly, food security is considered to exist in the household when all members, at all times, have access to enough food to lead an active and healthy life. Food security could be increased by integrating alternative foods that can be grown in compact environments, that are resistant to pests and diseases, and that do not require complex supply chains. People who suffer from illness, frailty, or other forms of social isolation may also experience food insecurity regardless of their financial means, due to the inability to purchase or prepare adequate food as a result of their condition. The use of food may be a specific problem for recent migrants to Australia who may not be familiar with local foods and their preparation.
The unequal distribution of food is just one example of the discrimination faced by women and girls in crises. In fact, having access to at least an adequate amount of nutritious food could be considered the most basic of all human rights. In the coming decades, climate change and environmental stressors will have a significant, albeit uncertain, impact on global food security.
