Dowler, Elizabeth, Kneafsey, Moya, Lambie, Hannah, Inman, Alex and Collier, Rosemary (2011) Thinking about 'food security' : engaging with UK consumers. Critical Public Health, Vol.21 (No.4). pp. 403-416. doi:10.1080/09581596.2011.620945 ISSN 1469-3682.

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Abstract

'Food security' has recently gained policy salience in the UK and internationally. Definitions
vary, but the term is generally used by policy makers to imply sustained access by all
consumers to sufficient food that is affordable, safe, nutritious and appropriate for an active
and healthy life. Recent attention partly reflects anxiety over possible resource and
environmental instabilities within the food system and the effects of economic recession. Food prices are often used to signal potential food insecurity; prices have risen recently in
Britain as elsewhere, along with increased fuel costs and significant financial and job
insecurities. All of these factors are likely to have differential effects on food management in
households living in different social and economic circumstances. Recent research using a
mixed methods approach explored some of these complexities by engaging with UK
consumers to examine people's reactions to increasing food prices, and their views on
responsibility for 'food security'. Well aware of increased food costs, most could identify
key commodities, and many cited increased oil and input prices as causes; some made links
to the larger financial crisis. Few knew the term 'food security'; though most initially
interpreted it as food safety and quality, the idea that affordable, healthy food should be
available and accessible for all was widely recognised. Many saw this as increasingly
difficult for themselves and others in current circumstances and, while acknowledging
commercial realities, look to government primarily to secure nutrition and food security for
all.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Science > Life Sciences (2010- ) Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Food security -- Great Britain, Food prices -- Great Britain
Journal or Publication Title:	Critical Public Health
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
ISSN:	1469-3682
Official Date:	7 December 2011
Dates:	Date Event 7 December 2011 Published
Volume:	Vol.21
Number:	No.4
Page Range:	pp. 403-416
DOI:	10.1080/09581596.2011.620945
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
Funder:	Great Britain. Dept. for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Grant number:	FO04014 (DEFRA)

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