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Food Security and Nutrition in the World

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June 25, 2018

What is the issue?

  • The UN’s State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report points to a worrying trend on food security at global level.

What are the highlights?

  • Absolute numbers of people facing hunger and poor nutrition have always been high.
  • However, there was a reduction in the rate of undernourishment since the year 2000.
  • But that has slowed from 2013, registering a worrying increase in 2016.
  • Around 815 million people endure chronic food deprivation in 2016, as against 775 million in 2014.
  • The deprivation is greater among people in conflict-affected and climate change events affected regions.
  • Contrastingly, the report says that child undernutrition rates continue to drop.
  • However, one in four children is still affected by stunting.

What are the causes?

  • The above numbers are averages and do not reflect the disparities among regions, within countries and between States.
  • Nevertheless, the common factors making food scarce and expensive for many are:
  1. the impact of the economic downturn
  2. many violent conflicts
  3. fall in commodity export revenues
  4. failure of agriculture owing to drought and floods
  • The findings represent a setback to all countries trying to meet the Sustainable Development Goal
  1. on ending hunger
  2. achieving food security
  3. improved nutrition

What is the case with India?

  • India’s efforts at improving access to food and good nutrition are led by the National Food Security Act.
  • There are special nutritional schemes for women and children operated through the States.
  • Despite these, 14.5% of the population suffers from undernourishment.
  • At the national level, 53% of women are anaemic.
  • Thus, Centre and State governments fall short on the commitment to end undernourishment.
  • Institutions such as the State Food Commissions have not made a big difference either.
  • Distributing nutritious food as a public health measure is still not a political imperative.

What is the way forward?

  • Families below the poverty line consume more cereals and less milk compared to the affluent.
  • NITI Aayog's report on the role played by rations in shaping household and nutritional security highlights this.
  • Complementing rice and wheat with more nutritious food items should be the goal.
  • The report on nutritional deficiency calls for evaluating the role played by the Public Distribution System.
  • Assessing dietary diversity for those relying on subsidised food is crucial.

 

Source: The Hindu
4 comments
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robertwilson 4 days

Food security is a complex issue that goes beyond food availability. Factors such as nutrition, food quality, safety standards, and consumer awareness all play an important role in building a healthier food system. It's also interesting to see how restaurants and food businesses are becoming more transparent by sharing restaurant menus, nutrition information, and ingredient details, helping people make better food choices before dining. Resources like restaurant menu guides can also support consumers who want to compare meals and understand what they're ordering.

Ali Ejaz 16 days

The discussion on food security highlights the importance of improving access to nutritious and affordable food, especially for vulnerable communities. Dietary diversity is essential for better health, and people should have access to a wider range of balanced meal options beyond basic staples. For those looking for convenient dining choices, the Cheddar’s Delivery Menu can also be explored as an option when ordering meals for home or family gatherings.

Brawls Bean 23 days

The rising tide of food insecurity highlights a critical paradox: while millions face hunger, cheap junk food and fast food are aggressively filling the nutritional void. In sub-subsidized markets, ultra-processed options are often cheaper and more accessible than whole, nutrient-dense foods, fueling hidden hunger and malnutrition alongside calorie intake. True food security must prioritize dietary diversity over mere calorie delivery, replacing empty fast-food calories with affordable, balanced, and wholesome nutrition for all.

Ramla Saim 1 month

The stark contrast between global food insecurity and rising obesity rates highlights a massive flaw in how we view modern food access. While millions suffer from a lack of dietary diversity and essential nutrients, urban populations often have easy access to cheap, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor options. It is quite ironic that exploring the mcdonald's menu often reveals more varied food choices than what is available to families relying solely on basic subsidized cereals. To truly achieve nutritional security, we must ensure that healthy, diverse proteins and vegetables become just as affordable and accessible as fast food..

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