Food Policy

In Food Policy, the authors argue for a new ecological public health approach, addressing the intertwined issues of food, health, and environmental sustainability.

Food policy has historically been an integral part of public health initiatives, yet Food Policy emphasizes the critical roles of environmental degradation and social inequalities in shaping these multifaceted issues. The authors provide an in-depth analysis of both current and historical food policies, advocating for a novel ecological public health framework that intertwines these elements to create a more effective strategy for addressing food-related challenges.

For over fifty years, food policy has been driven by the belief that the right combination of investment, scientific insight, and human expertise could significantly enhance productivity, ultimately resolving global food health and welfare issues. This perspective assumed that increasing food supply would lead to improved health and well-being by lowering prices, enhancing availability, and feeding a growing population. However, in the 21st century, this traditional approach is showing signs of faltering. With the coexistence of obesity and malnutrition, climate change alongside energy crises, and social inequalities amid vast wealth accumulation, it is clear that the existing food policy framework requires thorough reassessment.

Food Policy delves into the complexities that a revised policy must confront, arguing that effective food policy must be closely linked to public health, environmental concerns, and social equity. The book is authored by three experts from diverse fields—political science, environmental health, and social psychology—bringing a rich array of perspectives to the discussion. It seeks to clarify the concept of food policy, evaluate its relevance in contemporary discourse, and propose a modern framework for assessing the efficacy of policy-making processes in this critical area.