Food Security

Food insecurity is a real and growing concern in the United States.

Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough food for everyone in the household to have an active and healthy life. It also includes a limited availability of nutritionally adequate foods. One out of every eight Americans – and one in six children – experience food insecurity each year. Certain populations experience greater risk of insecurity. One in four African American and Latin children are at risk of hunger. Among seniors. 63 percent report that they often have to choose between food and health care. (USDA – Food Security in the United States) 

The global pandemic, inflation and global conflict have increased concerns about food security. Shoppers have seen empty shelves in stories. Research shows 87 percent of Americans are worried about rising food prices. Nearly 70 percent are concerned about food deserts.

In addition, many people believe food security is a social justice issue. They notice that food security disproportionately affects people of color and vulnerable populations.

Many also question if the food system is doing enough to address food security and justice. They are concerned about food waste, not just because of the environment but because of the impact on those in need and how it may contribute to higher food costs for consumers. They believe the food system could do more to address food waste.

The Center for Food Integrity works with stakeholders throughout the food system to build trust. We believe consumers should have access to affordable, abundant food with the option to buy products that align with their values.

We want those who produce, process and market food to have the freedom to operate so they can explore options to produce more food using fewer resources, which is critical to keep food affordable and reduce food insecurity. Ag technology such as gene editing can help the food system to achieve these goals.

Our Illuminate research identified key steps the food system could take to improve food security:

• Take an honest look at the inefficiencies in your supply chain affecting food waste and find ways to turn those into programs that benefit underserved communities.
• Include metrics of food waste in your company goals and report them transparently.

• Find partners both globally and at the community level to redirect food waste into programs that benefit communities in need.
• Be fully transparent about the sustainability tradeoffs of packaging vs. shelf life (i.e., plastics vs. paper)
• Create a pre-competitive understanding of food expiration labeling 

Contact us at learnmore@foodintegrity.flywheelsites.com to discuss how the food system can improve food security.