Why do we need to change our food system

 

There is 7.2 billion people on the planet to feed and that figure is expected to rise to over 9 billion people by 2050. The current food system is already limited with 1 out of 3 people suffering from malnutrition and 794 million people experiencing hunger.

On the other hand, 1.9 billion people overeat with 600 million people considered to be obese. The food widely available in more developed countries is too rich in fat, sugar, salt, and meat leading to serious health implications such as cardiovascular illnesses.

Another problem facing the food systems is waste. Globally we waste one-third of all foods we produce. This has significant consequences on environment as it puts pressure on natural resources, such as water and land. It also leads to soil degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss with many plants and animals being endangered.

The current food system is not working for all, creating inequality between more developed and developing parts of the globe. Therefore, the food systems from its production, processing, distribution, and consumption needs to change, to ensure healthier food for growing population and reduction of its environmental impact.

Such change requires cooperation of many different stakeholders involved in food system, but it is up to us consumers to make a more sustainable choices when buying and consuming foods daily.