A number of organizations around the world are committed to ending hunger by promoting food security around the globe. According to Food Secure Saskatchewan, "food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."
Good Food Essential for Good Health
The right diet can not only improve overall health, but also one's performance at work, school and play. A 2006 research paper on The Cost of Healthy Eating in Saskatchewan found that food choice alone is not the only factor in food insecurity.
"Even though food is necessary for survival, consumers may view food as the most flexible portion of a budget when faced with budget shortfalls," the report adds.
"Recent research indicates that in order to make ends meet, shoppers may choose items perceived as expensive (fruit, vegetables, and meat) less often."
Food Costs Vary Around Saskatchewan, Canada
In fact, the cost of nutritious food itself is an important reason many do not have a proper diet. The report looked at the price of healthy food across Saskatchewan, including fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and grain products.
The average cost to feed a family of four for one week ranged from just over $255 in Saskatchewan's northern areas to $141.10 in large cities such as Regina and Saskatoon.
Other weekly food totals
North West Saskatchewan: $198.30
North East Saskatchewan: $197.83
Northern Small Town: $171.02
Small City (More than 5,000): $144.55
Small Town: $159.48
Rural Saskatchewan: $166.26
A Global Threat
The Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition says food insecurity is a global crisis affecting more than 800 million people. That's despite numbers showing that around the world, enough food is produced to feed everyone on the planet.
Still, an estimated 35,000 people around the world die every day from hunger, while a large number continue to suffer from malnutrition, according to the organization's report, Healthy Food, Healthy Community.
"Although the effects of food insecurity begin at the individual level, these consequences can quickly ripple to undermine the physical, mental, emotional and environmental health of families and communities," the report added.
"When groups of people have access to the food they need, they are able to live happier and healthier lives."
Canada's Action Plan
In an effort to improve food security, the Canadian government launched Canada's Action Plan for Food Security. The plan was developed in response to the World Food Summit's international commitment to cut the number of malnourished people in half by 2015.
The plan focuses on improving food security through sustainable food networks, social programs and poverty reduction.
