The wheels are in motion for a global shift towards better eating habits, with organisations joining forces to spearhead this movement. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have been at the forefront of the fight for nutritional food systems transformation over the past decade. This dynamic duo recently convened 170 grantees from all corners of the globe in March 2023 to take stock of the current state of research on nutritious food systems (NFS) and lay the groundwork for future strategies. It’s clear that the need for this transformation is pressing, as current food systems are falling short in their potential to enhance global health and nutrition.

During the convention held in Malawi, a diverse range of participants from various sectors such as research, academia, NGOs, the private sector, and funding agencies came together to carve out a vision for change. They envisaged a world where healthy and nutritious food would be within reach, affordable, and safe for all, and where the food system would be robust in the face of economic and environmental challenges without contributing to environmental destruction or climate change.

The convention and subsequent discussions underscored key priorities that demand attention for a truly transformative change. These priorities include the imperative for improved access to data on food systems, the pivotal role of industry and retail food markets in delivering nutritious food, and the critical focus on market infrastructure and governance to tackle issues such as food loss and unsafe diets.

Trade policies have also emerged as a crucial factor in achieving NFS. Governments have been urged to bolster trade for healthy diets, support local food production, and establish regulatory frameworks that champion nutritional quality and the right to food. The strategy for making nutritious food accessible and affordable extends to innovative demand creation and behaviour change strategies, as well as food safety and hygiene measures to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses.

Addressing food loss and waste, interventions in micronutrient deficiencies, and ensuring NFS resilience to climate change have also been identified as vital areas for transformation. These priorities call for an integrated approach and a collaborative, principled effort that fosters equal partnerships and prioritises equity.

As the drive towards healthier food systems gathers pace, it is vital to invest in long-term, proven-effective programmes rooted in transparent, evidence-based policies. The dedication to this cause is unwavering, with stakeholders and partners embracing the need for transformational change.

In conclusion, the battle for nutritional food systems transformation is an odyssey that requires a comprehensive, holistic grasp of the interactions and relationships within and between systems. The members of the Nutritious Food Systems Consortium are unwavering in their commitment to supporting these priorities and championing movements that will bring about the transformational change in NFS called for in this rallying cry.

Reference:
A call to action for transformation towards nutritious food systems. Nature Food. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-023-00896-6