Everyone should have access to nutritious, safe, affordable and culturally appropriate food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences. The food system should operate in a way that protects our food system for future generations.

Having a sustainable food system means making sure everyone now and, in the future, has enough healthy food. Sustainable food systems are economically successful, they benefit society as a whole (not just corporations) and help to protect the environment by conserving resources and reducing pollution so future generations also have food security. 

A sustainable food system is good for our health in many ways. It makes sure we always have access to safe and healthy food, which keeps us physically and mentally well. It promotes healthy, stable environments and helps to address climate change so we can live well and continue to have access to nutritious foods. Sustainable food systems also encourage us to connect with nature and our communities, which boosts our overall well-being.

From ‘grow it’ to ‘throw it’ and everything in between, our food system includes:

• Production- the process of growing and harvesting vegetables, fruit, and other produce, as well as raising animals and insects for food production or pollination. 
• Processing- refers to how we turn fresh produce, meat, fish and other foods into a form that's ready for sale. 
• Distribution- the process of transporting and delivering food to food access points. 
• Access- the activities and systems that affect people's ability to get and consume healthy food. 
• Consumption- how we prepare food to eat for non-commercial purposes.
• Waste management- includes processes for recovery and minimizing food waste by composting, and recycling of food waste or surplus.

It’s important to recognize the food system as a part of overall food literacy and our ability to access the nutritious foods we need. The foods we eat can have a large impact on the environment and climate change. And in turn, the environment and climate change, have an impact on our food system as well as other factors that influence health and wellbeing. For more information on how climate change and health are linked visit Climahealth.

The food system impacts our broader societal, economic and environmental wellbeing.  Access and availability to food is affected by our local and global food systems, and by the built environment and climate change. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit works with a wide range of partners to promote a sustainable food system and to address climate change by reducing its negative impacts on health and wellbeing, including on food security.