Global Food Systems, Diets, and Nutrition: Linking Science, Economics, and Policy (Palgrave Textbooks in Agricultural Economics and Food Policy)

Ensuring optimal diets and nutrition for the global population is a grand challenge fraught with many contentious issues. To achieve food security for all and protect health, we need functional, equitable, and sustainable food systems. Food systems are highly complex networks of individuals and institutions that depend on governance and policy leadership. This book explains how interconnected food systems and policies affect diets and nutrition in high-, middle-, and low-income countries. In tandem with food policy, food systems determine the availability, affordability, and nutritional quality of the food supply, which influences the diets that people are willing and able to consume. Readers will become familiar with both domestic and international food policy processes and actors, and they will be able to critically analyze and debate how policy and science affect diet and nutrition outcomes. Acknowledgments Contents Abbreviations List of Figures List of Tables List of Boxes 1 Introduction References Part I Introduction to Major Concepts and Frameworks 2 Food Systems, Food Environments, and Consumer Behavior Introduction Food and Its Role in Society What Are Food Systems? What Are Food Systems Meant to Do? Who Influences and Engages with Food Systems? Components of Food Systems Food Supply Chains Food Environments Consumer Demand Key Messages and Conclusions References 3 Food Policy Introduction What Is Food Policy? What Is Food Governance? Who Influences Food Policy and Governance? Historical Transitions Toward a Holistic Food Policy Key Messages and Conclusions References Part II Changing Food Systems and Diets for Nutrition 4 Nutritious Foods, Healthy Diets, and Contributions to Health Introduction What Are Diets? Healthy Diets Current Diets Health Consequences of Suboptimal Diets Key Messages and Conclusions References 5 The Multiple Burdens of Malnutrition Introduction Nutrition Nutritional Science Malnutrition Hunger and Food Insecurity Undernutrition Micronutrient Deficiencies Overweight and Obesity Multiple Burdens of Malnutrition Causes of Malnutrition Consequences of Malnutrition Intergenerational Cycle of Malnutrition Key Messages and Conclusions References 6 Transformations Across Diets and Food Systems Introduction Changing Diets The Nutrition Transition Food System Transformation Changing Food Supplies Changing Food Environments Changing Affordability of Healthy Diets Key Messages and Conclusions References 7 Drivers Shaping Food Systems Introduction Biophysical and Environmental Drivers Ecosystems and Biodiversity Climate Change Sociocultural Drivers Social Norms, Culture, and Traditions Women’s Status and Empowerment Political and Economic Drivers Leadership and Governance Globalization and Trade Conflicts and Humanitarian Crises Demographic Drivers Population Growth Urbanization Migration and Forced Displacement Innovation, Technology, and Infrastructure Innovation and Technology Infrastructure and the Built Environment Key Messages and Conclusions References Part III The Influence of Food Policy on Diets and Nutrition 8 Policies Affecting Food Supply Chains Introduction Ideal Food Supply Chains for Diets and Nutrition Policies that Shape Food Supply Chains and Their Impacts on Diets and Nutrition Policies that Affect Food Production and Trade Policies that Target the Processing and Packaging of Foods Policies that Impact Markets, Distribution, and Public Procurement Key Messages and Conclusions References 9 Policies Affecting Food Environments and Consumer Behavior Introduction How Food Environments Affect the Food Supply and Consumer Demand Ideal Food Environments Why Physical Spaces and Places Matter Schools Healthcare System Workplaces Policies That Focus on Food Environments and Consumer Demand to Better Shape Diets and Nutrition Marketing and Advertising of Certain Foods Market-Based Subsidies and Taxes Front- and Back-of-Package Labeling Food-Based Dietary Guidelines Mass Media and Behavior Change Communication Consumer Awareness and Nutrition Education Choice Architecture and Nudges Key Messages and Conclusions References Part IV New Challenges to Achieving Healthy Diets for Nutrition 10 Sustainable Diets: Aligning Food Systems and the Environment Introduction The Agriculture–Environment Connection The History of Sustainable Diets The EAT-Lancet Report Health and Environmental Implications of Sustainable Diets The Sustainable Diet Conundrum Research Limitations and Policy Opportunities Key Messages and Conclusions References 11 The Future of Food: Shaping Diets and Nutrition Introduction Agriculture 4.0: Revolutionizing Food Supplies for Better Diets Digital, Precision, and Vertical Farming Middle of the Chain Technologies Producing New and Varied Foods: 3D Printing, GMOs, and Lab-Grown Meat The Disappearing Grocery Store, Restaurant, and Kitchen Food Delivery and Meal Services: Concierge Convenience The Lure of Street Food and Fast Casual Changing Palates, Changing Demands Consumer Engagement and the Foodie Generation Personalized Nutrition The Implementation of Technologies Key Messages and Conclusions References 12 Conclusion and Ways Forward Importance of Food Policy for Diets and Nutrition Challenges Remain With Challenges Come Opportunities References Index