Malnutrition, both from the perspective of under and overnourishment, is complex and likely involves, in part, the globalization of trade, resource scarcity, and the nutritional translation from wholesome food products to those often processed containing high levels of salt, sugar, calories, saturated and trans fats, amongst others. In agreement with Mr. Kent´s comment, local agricultural production has a great potential to impact nutrition. Building capacity of smallholder producers in countries which export a large proportion of their products, may in turn, increase the national supply of food for consumers, perhaps at a more affordable cost.
An example of such, is the Food Acquisition Program in Brazil (PAA), where, by law, a minimum of 30% of food products provided to public schools must be purchased directly from smallholder farmers. This program has helped to serve children suffering both from chronic undernourishment, as well as those with obesity, consume healthy foods required for growth and development. Additionally, the program has given smallholder farmers more stability and security in their lives and rewards agricultural practices which benefit the environment.
Secondly, shifting the focus to include the quality of food, as opposed to merely quantity, is important as obesity and associated non-communicable diseases are affecting countries worldwide. Institutions can help facilitate the implementation of policies which promote the holistic, community-based objective of agriculture, thereby enabling families to consume healthy diets, balanced in calories and other essential nutrients. In addition to promoting the intake of healthy foods, complete, honest, and comprehendible labelling of products may further generate awareness of which types of foods should be avoided. Campaigns which distribute information to the public, for example Elige Vivir Sano in Chile (Choose to Live Healthily: http://www.eligevivirsano.cl/), may additionally discourage the intake of foods which lead to overnutrition.
Malnutrition, both from the perspective of under and overnourishment, is complex and likely involves, in part, the globalization of trade, resource scarcity, and the nutritional translation from wholesome food products to those often processed containing high levels of salt, sugar, calories, saturated and trans fats, amongst others. In agreement with Mr. Kent´s comment, local agricultural production has a great potential to impact nutrition. Building capacity of smallholder producers in countries which export a large proportion of their products, may in turn, increase the national supply of food for consumers, perhaps at a more affordable cost.
An example of such, is the Food Acquisition Program in Brazil (PAA), where, by law, a minimum of 30% of food products provided to public schools must be purchased directly from smallholder farmers. This program has helped to serve children suffering both from chronic undernourishment, as well as those with obesity, consume healthy foods required for growth and development. Additionally, the program has given smallholder farmers more stability and security in their lives and rewards agricultural practices which benefit the environment.
Secondly, shifting the focus to include the quality of food, as opposed to merely quantity, is important as obesity and associated non-communicable diseases are affecting countries worldwide. Institutions can help facilitate the implementation of policies which promote the holistic, community-based objective of agriculture, thereby enabling families to consume healthy diets, balanced in calories and other essential nutrients. In addition to promoting the intake of healthy foods, complete, honest, and comprehendible labelling of products may further generate awareness of which types of foods should be avoided. Campaigns which distribute information to the public, for example Elige Vivir Sano in Chile (Choose to Live Healthily: http://www.eligevivirsano.cl/), may additionally discourage the intake of foods which lead to overnutrition.