Course:LFS100/Food Systems
Food Systems
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A food system is a system in which food production, processing, distribution, and consumption are integrated to enhance the environment, economy, society, and nutritional health. By conceptualizing a food system we are able to collectively examine the different components involved in feeding our growing population (i.e. production, processing and distribution, waste management, and consumption, nutrition, and health). We can then evaluate their interactions and measure their implications on overall food security and sustainability. Food systems are not stagnant, but rather influenced and inextricably linked to culture, ecosystems, economies, policies, and more. For example, within the last half-century technology and agricultural development efforts have drastically changed food systems around the world. These changes have led to both increased and decreased food security, economic growth, poverty, and inequities. Some changes have even been directly and indirectly implicated in creating negative environmental outcomes. Other changes have received recognition for creating beneficial environmental conditions. These various outcomes reveal the significance of conceptualizing, documenting, and evaluating food systems as an important part of the effort to promote food security and sustainability across the globe and in the face of global environmental change.
Tips:
- Review A Primer on Community Food Systems for a good overview of the elements, scales, and goals of food systems.
- Explore an Analysis of Vermont’s Food System for an interactive and explanatory diagram of a food system.
- Visit UBC Sustainability and learn how UBC is establishing a sustainable food system on campus.