Community Food Security

 

There are several definitions of Food security. The definition that this resource page operates under is that Community Food Security is a condition in which all community residents obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice. This page provides resources to address the issues of availability and access to healthy and fresh food.

 

For projects that look to solve Community Food Security issues, please visit the Community Food Systems resource page.

 

 

Community Food Security Information

Fossil Fuel Dependence and Food Security

Organizations Involved in Community Food Security Work

 

 

Community Food Security Information

 

Food Security Statistics

These statistics have been compiled by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). There are international statistics about access to food, nutrition and other aspects of food security.

http://www.fao.org/es/ess/faostat/foodsecurity/index_en.htm

 

Transportation and Food: The Importance of Access

Transportation and land use policies attuned to the nation’s food security needs can build bridges between family farmers, food retailers, and consumers. Transportation policies and programs can make it easier for low-income families, the aged, and others with mobility challenges and particular nutrition needs to access supermarkets, farmers’ markets, and other sources of affordable, healthy food.

http://departments.oxy.edu/uepi/cfj/publications/transportation_and_food.pdf

 

 

Fossil Fuel Dependence and Community Food Security

 

Food, Fuel, and Freeways: an Iowa Perspective on How Far Food Travels, Fuel Usage, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

This paper discusses transportation from farm to point of sale within local, regional, and conventional food systems. Using fresh produce and other foods as examples, we considered miles traveled, fossil fuels used, and carbon dioxide emissions, and assessed potential environmental costs. http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs/staff/ppp/food_mil.pdf

 

Implications of Fossil Fuel Dependence for the Food System

Our current industrialized food system is not sustainable due to it's over dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel energy and it's degradation of the natural systems on which it depends for its existence. If action to change these aspects of the food system is not taken, convening resource depletion and degradation will cause the food system to collapse.

http://www.energybulletin.net/17036.html

 

 

Organizations Involved in Community Food Security Work

 

Community Food Security Coalition

The Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC) is a North American organization of social and economic justice, environmental, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, community development, labor, anti-poverty, anti-hunger, and other groups. They are dedicated to building strong, sustainable, local and regional food systems that ensure access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food to all people at all times.

http://www.foodsecurity.org/

 

National Family Farm Coalition
The National Family Farm Coalition was founded in 1986 to serve as a national link for grassroots organizations working on family farm issues. Membership currently consists of 33 grassroots farm, resource conservation, and rural advocacy groups from 33 states. NFFC brings together farmers and others to organize national projects focused on preserving and strengthening family farms.