The idea of Social Security for Food (SSF) emerged from numerous discussions with actors working in different sectors. The SSF is approached from different angles. The most prominent themes are food insecurity, health, democracy and production and distribution.
Food insecurity
Every year, 600 000 people rely on food aid. 18.7% of the population is at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Food insecurity persists despite the increase in food aid. Food insecurity has to remain a political priority. The SSF must become an instrument to reduce inequalities. Any possible reinforcement of inequalities, especially among the poorest, must be avoided. Quality food should be a universal right, not a luxury or choice for the few.
Unhealthy food often leads to chronic diseases such as malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Through quality nutrition, the SSF aims to prevent rather than cure health risks. Unhealthy nutrition is a common problem, but your socio-economic situation is often a major factor in access to healthy food: some households have to adapt the household budget for food to make ends meet throughout the month.
Health
Every year, between 11% and 14% of deaths are due to unhealthy diets. According to the FAO, this would cost the state €27 billion a year.
Democracy
Even in an affluent society, food choices are not entirely free. Not all policy choices benefit producers or consumers.
Food has become a product subject to the rules of the market.This often favours a few economic actors at the expense of many consumers and producers. Despite some inspiring initiatives, there is still no just food democracy and many of our choices are illusory. SSF wants to better involve the population in making healthy and fair food choices, by making food political and promoting consumer choice.
The current food system is largely dominated by industrial agriculture and influential players in the distribution chain. Significant barriers to switching to more agro-ecological practices remain. Positive initiatives are often not rewarded enough. The SSF wants to promote a fair income for sustainable producers and stimulate the market for all those involved in sustainable supply chains.
Production and distribution
Many entrepreneurs do not have sufficient incentives within the current system to make the transition to a more sustainable model.
