What is food security and what are its pillars?

 What is food security and what are its pillars?

Food security is the condition when all individuals have access to sufficient food of the right dietary mix (quality) at all times, enabling them to lead an active and healthy life. 

The four pillars of food security are:

1. Availability: Food availability refers to the production and supply of food, both domestically and through trade. It is crucial to ensure that the food produced is enough to feed the population, and that food is available in the right places and at the right times.
2. Access: Food access refers to the ability of individuals to obtain food. It depends on people's ability to purchase food, their physical access to markets, and the availability of food assistance programs.
3. Utilization: Food utilization refers to the capacity of individuals to use food effectively to maintain a healthy and active life. It includes access to clean water and proper sanitation, as well as education on nutrition and food preparation.
4. Stability: Food stability refers to the ability of individuals and communities to access food at all times, even during emergencies or difficult periods, such as natural disasters or economic crises. It requires reliable food systems and safety nets that can withstand shocks and crises.

All four pillars are interrelated and essential to achieve food security at all levels, from the individual to the global level.