When it comes to our food, we all want to feel secure. We want to know that our pantries are full and that we have access to the nourishment we need and also the foods we love. But what happens when there is a shortage of food? When store shelves are suddenly empty, it can be hard to know where to turn. Here are some tips for finding food security in times of food shortages.
Here’s what this article covers:
- The current state of the food system and how it’s affecting people around the world
- Tips on how to increase your own food security in times of shortages
- Ways to help others who are struggling to find enough to eat
- How can we work together to create a more sustainable and equitable food system?
1. The current state of the food system and how it’s affecting people around the world
With shortages spurring stockpiling and empty shelves becoming commonplace in supermarkets across the globe, the current state of our food system has definitely taken a hit. We’re seeing this on all fronts. Dining out has become a true luxury, with not only food prices driving up costs but the increasing costs of labor in a shrinking labor pool. At the grocery store, we see prices increase (or value decrease) due to supply chain issues, supply and demand inequalities, disease (think eggs and lettuce), war and conflict, natural disasters, and sometimes corporate greed. While it’s hard to know what exactly the future holds for this pressing issue, we know that it will continue to be an issue. It’s more important than ever that we look toward sustainable solutions so everyone can continue having access to safe and healthy food. Food security is a leading concern for everyone, from global leaders to local communities. It’s not just about alleviating hunger and providing relief; it’s also about achieving sustainable and regenerative solutions where everyone has equitable access to reliable and safe sources of nutrition.
2. Tips on how to increase your own food security in times of shortages
I believe that food security starts with reducing waste and learning about proper food storage. Feeding America states, “Each year, 119 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States. That equates to 130 billion meals and more than $408 billion in food thrown away each year. Shockingly, nearly 40% of all food in America is wasted.” While not all food waste is unavoidable, a majority is, and it’s on us as consumers to not contribute to the problem but also insist our suppliers take on this goal as part of their ethics code.
The next step is to ensure that all food entering your home is properly stored until you can consume it. You will want to look at short-term and long-term food storage options. Mastering your long-term food storage simultaneously sets you up for emergencies like food shortages or natural disasters where food will not be readily available. During times of shortages, it’s important to set yourself up first by making sure your pantry is stocked with long-lasting goods so you don’t run out when disruptions occur. Always “put on your mask first” when it comes to preparing for food shortages or emergencies. We will talk about how to support others next, but setting yourself up first actually helps the larger community by not becoming a burden on local or government resources so first responders can focus on truly at-need members.
Start a garden and learn to forage. While having a full-blown, self-sustaining garden is not possible for most of us, anything you can grow not only lessens your reliance on the food system but also gives you a little more knowledge on how to grow your own food. Even if you are starting with a windowsill basil plant, try it! Edible food is all around us. Even if you are not ready or willing to eat food you find growing in the wild, foraging and plant identification are great skills to have.
Another great way to increase your own food security is by supporting local farmers and ranchers as much as possible. The goods they provide are fresh, often organic, and don’t require long-distance shipping or transportation costs. Because they are operating at a smaller scale, often the global implications to our food systems are a non-issue. Supporting them in times of bounty ensures they can continue to provide to the local community in times of need.
Ultimately, whether it be reducing waste, preparing in advance, or taking advantage of local resources, there are many ways you can increase your own food security in times of food shortages.
3. Ways to help others who are struggling to find enough to eat
Finding food for yourself and your family can be a challenge, but for some, it’s an even bigger problem. If you want to help those who are struggling to find enough to eat, there are several things you can do. First, donate food and other essentials to food banks in your local area. Regarding food shopping, be mindful of others – don’t stockpile more than necessary, as this creates a shortage and limits the amount available for everyone else. I recommend building your supply fast enough that you feel secure but slow enough to be mindful and find cost savings. Maybe buy two or three extra of your shelf-stable favorites this next grocery trip (aim to be prepared for three weeks) and then one more on subsequent trips until you feel you are set for six months. You could also start sharing tips on how best to make meals stretch further or encourage others to start using food stamps or food banks where appropriate. If you are a pro at shopping sales, why not set aside some donations in your budget as well? If you have a garden and any surplus, offer it to local food banks or on your local buy-nothing groups. You can also support local community gardens that work to feed the community. No one should worry about food insecurity; together, we can use our resources to get food to those who need it most.
4. How can we work together to create a more sustainable and equitable food system
We can create a more sustainable and equitable food system by returning to local, grassroots-level efforts. Investing in sustainable farming practices, encouraging diversified harvests, eating seasonally, and providing access to nutritious foods to all communities are essential steps toward achieving healthier food systems that all can enjoy. Additionally, educating ourselves and future generations about the importance of local farms and teaching them tools related to cooking and gardening for self-sufficiency offers a long-term solution to ensure a healthy planet for generations. Finally, reducing food waste is paramount. Even local food can be wasted, and we have to start with the crux of the issue before we waste the effort of fixing the larger system.
Conclusion
It’s time to start thinking about food security. With climate change, weather patterns are becoming more extreme and unpredictable, droughts and floods are occurring more often, and crop yields are decreasing; we can no longer believe that the existing system of monocultures will be sustainable. That means that we could see more food shortages in the future. By preparing now, we can increase our own food security and help protect ourselves and our families against hunger. Here are some things you can do: shop (and grow) local – supporting your local farmers helps ensure a steady supply of fresh locally grown food; be prepared – understand your family’s needs and work towards your own preparedness goals, removing yourself from those who act in panic; reduce food waste- according to the UN FAO, “if wasted food was a country it would rank as the world’s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter after China and the United States.” When we waste less food, we put less strain on the environment. These are just a few things you can do to make a difference. We all have a role to play in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system.
