Assignment 3: Research Essay Topic and Sources Approval – Reducing a Social Problem

Working Title: Addressing Food Insecurity: A Path to a Healthier and Prosperous Society

Thesis Statement: Addressing food insecurity is a crucial step towards building a healthier and

prosperous society by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food, promoting physical and

mental well-being, fostering economic stability, and creating a more inclusive and socially just

environment for all individuals and communities.

I chose the problem of food insecurity because I learned that 15.9 households or 5.8

million people are affected by this social problem in Canada. Even though Canada is a

progressive country, and food banks available for low income families, some still suffer from

food insecurity.

Food insecurity in Canada has a historical context that spans several decades. Late 19th

to early 20th century: Canada experienced periods of food insecurity related to factors such as

economic instability, natural disasters, and limited transportation and distribution infrastructure.

Great Depression (1929-1939), the Great Depression led to widespread poverty and food

shortages across the country, resulting in increased government intervention in food relief

efforts. Post-World War II Era, 1940s-1950s, Following World War II, Canada implemented

social welfare policies and economic reforms, which led to improved food security for many

Canadians. The country experienced economic growth and increased agricultural productivity,

reducing food insecurity levels. In 1960s-1980s, Canada saw shifts in food production,

distribution, and consumption patterns. Increasing urbanization, industrialization of agriculture,

and changing dietary preferences influenced the food system. However, disparities in food access

and affordability persisted, particularly among marginalized and low-income populations. In

resurgence of food insecurity. The impact of these factors was particularly pronounced in

Indigenous communities, remote regions, and marginalized populations. In 1990s-present,

various national and provincial initiatives were launched to address the problem. These efforts

included the establishment of food banks, community food programs, income support programs

(e.g., social assistance, employment insurance), and school meal programs. The COVID-19

Pandemic exacerbated food insecurity in Canada, as job losses, income disruptions, and

increased living costs made it more challenging for individuals and families to access sufficient

and nutritious food.

Over time, the understanding of food insecurity has evolved beyond a focus on immediate

access to food towards a more comprehensive approach that encompasses social, economic, and

structural factors contributing to vulnerability and marginalization. Efforts are being made to

address not only immediate hunger but also the underlying causes of food insecurity, such as

poverty, income inequality, and systemic barriers.

Evidence from different studies indicate that all dimensions of food security among

Indigenous peoples in Canada have been impacted. Lack of availability of both traditional and

market foods is highlighted among Inuit and First Nation communities. Economic disadvantages,

high food prices, and lack of access to transportation are major factors affecting the accessibility

pillar of food security. Major factors affecting the utilization pillar of food security are the loss of

traditional knowledge and skills, lack of knowledge on market foods, low quality of market

foods, and food safety issues.

Food insecurity has significant impacts and consequences on individuals, families, and

society as a whole. It often leads to inadequate intake of essential nutrients, resulting in

to a range of health problems, including compromised immune function, anemia, stunted growth

(in children), and increased risk of chronic diseases. Food insecurity is associated with higher

rates of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress among individuals. The stress and

anxiety of not knowing where their next meal will come from can have a profound impact on

mental well-being. Food-insecure individuals are at a higher risk of developing chronic

conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Limited access to nutritious

food and reliance on low-cost, energy-dense options contribute to these health issues. Parents

experiencing food insecurity may face heightened stress and anxiety about their ability to

provide enough food for their children. This can impact their mental health and strain family

relationships. Children living in food-insecure households are vulnerable to long-term

consequences. They may experience developmental delays, poor academic performance, lower

cognitive abilities, and compromised physical and mental health. Inadequate nutrition in early

childhood can have lifelong impacts on their overall well-being. Food insecurity can further

exacerbate the vulnerability of marginalized and disadvantaged populations, such as racial and

ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and low-income households. It can perpetuate

cycles of poverty and social inequality. Food insecurity places a strain on healthcare systems, as

individuals experiencing food insecurity are more likely to require medical care for nutrition-

related health issues. This creates economic costs for healthcare providers, insurance systems,

and society as a whole. Food-insecure individuals may face challenges in educational attainment

and workforce participation due to health issues, limited energy, and cognitive impairments. This

can result in decreased productivity and potential economic losses at both individual and societal

levels. Food insecurity perpetuates social inequalities by disproportionately affecting

gap between the haves and have-nots, hindering social cohesion and exacerbating social

divisions.

Addressing food insecurity is crucial not only for improving individuals' health and well-

being but also for promoting a more equitable and inclusive society. Comprehensive strategies

that focus on income support, affordable housing, employment opportunities, and accessible

nutritious food options are necessary to mitigate the impacts of food insecurity and promote

social justice.

There are many theories of food security that consider its various economic, political, and

social aspects.  Most of these theories emphasize the special role of agriculture as the main

guarantor of food security. The most relevant one is the techno-ecological theory which claims

that the challenges of hunger may be solved by adjusting agricultural methods in order to

produce sufficient amount of food.

Measuring success or failure in reducing or eliminating food insecurity requires a

comprehensive and intersectional approach that considers the intersections of social class,

gender, ethnicity, and sexuality. It is essential to employ a mix of quantitative and qualitative

methods, along with an intersectional lens, to capture the complexity and nuances of food

insecurity and its intersections with social class, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality. Monitoring

progress, evaluating outcomes, and actively engaging with affected communities can inform

ongoing adjustments and ensure that interventions effectively address the multi-faceted nature of

food insecurity.
References:

Conron KJ, et al. (2016). Sexual orientation and food insecurity in the United States: Analysis of

recent National Health Interview Survey data. American Journal of Public Health

Deaton et al. (2022). Food security, food insecurity, and Canada’s national food policy:

Meaning, measures, and assessment. Retrieved from

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00307270221113601

Fahim T, et al. (2015). Food Insecurity and Public Health" Editors: Publisher: CRC Press

Jones AD et al (2019). Food insecurity and mental health: A systematic review and meta-

analysis. Journal: PLoS ONE

Loopstra R, et al. (2015). Gender, food insecurity, and health: A systematic review. Journal:

Health & Place

McCann J. (1998). Food Insecurity and the Social Division of Labour in Tanzania, 1919-1985.

Oxford University Press

Monterrosa EC, et al. (2017). Intersectionality and food insecurity: A systematic literature

review. Journal: Advances in Nutrition .

Pillars of Food Security: A Scoping Review. Retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9776675/