Food and nutrition standards to address food insecurity

This chapter explores the need for and application of food and nutrition standards for food relief in countries with developed economies. Increasing financial stress and poverty has led to an increase in both the number of people seeking food assistance and the period over which that assistance is required. Third sector organisations (e.g., charities, non-government and faith-based organisations, community, and philanthropic groups) have emerged as the major provider of the response to food insecurity often in the light of public sector intransigence. The third/voluntary sector food supply chain is complex and often ad hoc, and unreliable as the sector relies on surplus food donated by supermarkets, manufacturers, food retailers and individual citizens. The operational models required to reach vulnerable populations are numerous and diverse, from soup vans in parks to food pantries and hampers, to frozen meals or seated meal services. Research suggests that practical nutrition standards are needed to improve the quality and acceptability of food. Importantly, fit-for-purpose food and nutrition standards that meet the public health duty-of-care and provide freedom of choice are essential to ensure a dignified recipient experience.