The Land, Food and Community series focuses on six key aspects of food security:

  • Availability
  • Accessibility
  • Affordability
  • Appropriateness
  • Safety
  • Sustainability

Availability refers to the food products that are readily attainable in a particular community and whether individuals in that community are able to use these foods for preparing meals.  Do the supermarkets in particular neighborhoods carry fresh fruits and vegetables for the members in their community?

Accessibility is much like availability.  It refers to the ability of individuals to attain necessary food products to meet their needs.  Are supermarkets within walking distance or must individuals in a community have a vehicle to access the food supply?

Affordability refers to whether food item prices are within range of individuals financial means.  Do supermarkets in communities offer items at a variety of price ranges or do they have coupon plans for low-income families?

Appropriateness refers to food being suitable for the people in the community, such as being culturally appropriate.  It is important that individuals feel comfortable with the choices of food available to them so they feel comfortable preparing and consuming these foods. Do supermarkets offer kosher and halal food choices or is there a specialty stores that can supply the community?

Safety refers to whether the food products available pose any risk to the consumers? Do supermarkets carry food that is handled properly and does the store restock their shelves according to the best before dates on the items?

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of a human population while minimizing the harmful effects that it may have on the surrounding environment and maintaining the availability of resources for the future.  Do supermarkets carry produce grown locally as an alternative to produce that has travelled across the world and left a significant carbon footprint?