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Thinking about 'food security' : engaging with UK consumers

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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. ISSN 1469-3682

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2011.620945

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 > 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

Identifier:

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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