The term food safety refers to the guarantee of inhibiting hunger. The expression arose at the time of the First World War. But, after more than a century of existence, it becomes increasingly relevant.
Ensuring quality food has been increasingly challenging, given the current economic crisis.
In today’s post, you can see the main challenges of food security and how important it is for human development.
First of all, it is important to understand that food security is about universal access to quality food, in sufficient quantity and on an ongoing basis. In other words, it is necessary to guarantee all people foods with high nutritional value, for all meals and enough to be satiated.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account the healthy eating habits and cultural characteristics of each people. This condition cannot compromise access to other essential needs or the future food system. In other words, it must be carried out on a sustainable basis.
According to the Constitution, it is the responsibility of the State to guarantee the human right to food. For this, the public administration can articulate with civil society entities.
Ramacrisna nutritionist, Marta Malaquias, points out the main challenges for food security.
First, we need to reduce food waste. According to a survey by the Federal University of São Carlos, of the 140 million tons of food produced in Brazil, 26 million are thrown away.
Another important point is the rise in food prices, the rise in unemployment and the worsening of other socioeconomic issues due to the pandemic. “This is a major setback in the fight against hunger: every day, millions of people have nothing to eat“, she warns.
Among the foods that left the table of many Brazilians are meats, fruits, cheeses, vegetables and legumes. On the other hand, consumption of ultra-processed foods, which are sometimes cheaper, has increased. What does not solve the hunger problem in the country.
But Marta also points out important points to ensure quality food. “Eating better means supporting small farmers, redistributing income, respecting nature and nourishing the world with real food. Hunger is in a hurry. Those who don’t have enough to eat need help, you can make a difference”, she says.
Good food and nutrition are basic requirements for the promotion and protection of health, enabling the full affirmation of the potential for human growth and development.
This is because, according to the World Health Organization, being healthy is not just the absence of disease, but physical, mental and social well-being. In other words, food promotes not only disease prevention, but also socialization and less anxiety about what’s on the table.
Read too: Food donation in the pandemic: how companies can help
One of the Institute’s areas of action is the guarantee of adequate food for children and young people. Daily, students receive balanced meals.
These foods come, in part, from weekly donations from Instituto Mesa Brasil at SESC. In addition to completing the production of meals, we help the families of our clients by preparing kits for students to take home.
In addition, we always seek to enjoy the food in its entirety. And we produce and harvest fruits inside Ramacrisna, avoiding waste and enriching the nutritional value of the menu offered to those served daily.
Therefore, in our impact report, students and families from the surrounding community relate the actions of the Ramacrisna Institute to the Sustainable Development Goal corresponding to the promotion of health and well-being.
You can help us continue to ensure that hundreds of people are fed. Know how to help us and make a difference in someone’s life.
