Nutrition Role in Sustainable Development and the True Price of Food

Abstract

Sustainability is the key strategy in global development, and in line with this, the transformation of food systems are one of the starting points. The concept of a food system encompasses not only the acquisition of food but also the interconnected processes, elements, and consequences associated with it, and it is essential for it to be sustainable. Sustainable food systems depend on economic, social, and environmental foundations, as well as their ability to provide food security for all. However, the current food systems do not take into account hidden costs of food, which significantly impact its sustainability. These hidden costs, known as externalities, are the environmental, health, social, and economic impacts that are not reflected in the market value of food. Whether negative or positive these externalities, the choices’ consequences of some affect others and even the next generations. The true cost of food approach aims to evaluate the hidden costs from externalities and reflect on the market value of food, ultimately targeting the true price of food. The true cost of food approach aimed to evaluate the hidden costs and reflect on the market value of food. In current economies, consumers can get food two or even three times cheaper but unwittingly pay hidden costs especially by taxes. The price of the food does not reflect its true value and consequently hinders the development of societal awareness and promoting the production of unsustainable and unhealthy food. However, implementing true cost accounting and determining the true price of food based on these costs present challenges and potential risks for both consumers and producers. This review aims to explain the role of nutrition and food systems in sustainable development, as well as to elucidate the theories of the true cost and price of food in the transformation of the food system.