What is 'food security' and why is it important?

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Food security is defined as having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Many factors influence whether a community is truly food secure. For example, are food sources environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable? Would access to food be disrupted by a social or environmental disaster? Does the food available provide adequate nutritional value? In this broader sense, food security also includes a community’s understanding of where and how food is produced, and how resilient those systems are in the face of change.

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While not remote, Thetis Island is more removed from basic amenities than most communities. In the event of natural or economic disruption, the island has the potential to become isolated from mainstream food sources. However, Thetis Island is also fortunate in its capacity for local food production. More broadly, it is important for all communities to understand and assess the reliability of their food systems. Awareness of food security not only builds personal confidence, but also strengthens community connections and local economic resilience. Additionally, locally sourced food has a significantly lower environmental impact and can be more easily and ethically maintained than global food supply chains.

 

In addition to offering educational talks and workshops on food security and sustainable food systems, ThINC addresses multiple stages of the food supply chain - from production and distribution to consumption and “waste” - through its projects.