4: Food security

Question 1

Give a definition of food security AND the four parameters that determine food security.

Answer 1

The Food and Agriculture Organisation defines ‘food security’ as a state 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 life.

4 parameters: Food access, food availability, food utilization, food stability

Question 2

List AND briefly explain THREE factors (other than personal preference) that can influence what people eat.

Answer 2

Access to cooking facilities and appropriate food storage

Cultural norms

cost

Question 3

Explain how a vegan diet differs from a vegetarian diet

Answer 3

Vegetarians and vegans don’t eat any red meat, poultry, game, fish, shellfish or crustacea (such as crab or lobster), or animal by-products (such as gelatine).

Vegetarians eat a diet of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables, dairy products and eggs

Question 4

What is meant by the term plant-forward diet in relation to the planetary health diet?

Answer 4

Plant products are the primary food source with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes comprising a greater proportion of foods consumed.

Meat and dairy constitute important parts of the diet but in significantly smaller proportions than whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes