The interplay between food systems and nutrition is of critical importance in addressing the multifaceted challenges of global health. Food systems’ prime objective should be delivering safe, nutritious, accessible, affordable, and culturally preferred food. Economic incentives are needed to drive system functions; social-ecological stewardship is critical to ensure the resilience and long-term sustainability of food systems. Hence, converging economic, social, and environmental sustainability goals within these systems is vital to achieving food security and nutrition. The economic development driven by food systems must be aligned with sustainable agricultural practices and effective policy interventions to mitigate the adverse impacts on health and the environment. This Research Topic aims to explore innovative approaches and strategies that ensure food systems are resilient, just, and capable of delivering nutritious food for all, while also safeguarding economic, social and environmental sustainability. By examining the nexus of food security, nutrition, livelihoods and sustainable practices, we aim to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how to enhance global health through integrated food system solutions.

The goal of this Research Topic is to address the complex challenges of food systems transformation that simultaneously attain the economic, social, and environmental sustainability goals while ensuring food security and nutrition. As the global population grows and urbanizes, the demand for food increases, putting pressure on natural resources and existing agricultural systems. The challenge lies in transforming food systems to meet increasing food demand within planetary boundaries and ensure the well-being of communities.

Recent advances in agriculture science and technologies (such as precision farming, climate-resilient technologies, agroecology, biotechnology and integrated production systems), innovative food distribution systems, and nutrition programming provide promising avenues for improving food systems globally. However, the food supply chains, and consumption trends may not always align with sustainability goals. Policies need to aim at reducing food loss and waste, incentivize sustainable production, enhancing food distribution networks, promoting equitable access to nutritious food while minimizing externalities and tradeoffs within the food systems. This research topic seeks to explore advances in science and policy innovations and identify strategies for integrating them into food systems decision-making to simultaneously achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability. By doing so, we aim to develop a holistic understanding of how to create resilient and sustainable food systems that support global health and economic development.

This Research Topic invites contributions that address these issues through inter- and trans-disciplinary research, case studies, decision support tools, digital innovations, policy evidence and innovative approaches. We hope to proffer actionable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers working towards sustainable food systems for nutrition.

This research topic focuses on the intricate relationship between food systems and nutrition, emphasizing the need for simultaneously achieving the economic, social, and environmental sustainability goals. We invite contributions that delve into various themes, including but not limited to:

• Impact of innovative agricultural practices such as precision farming, agroecology, biotechnology and integrated production systems on food security and nutrition.
• Food systems perspectives on Ultra-Processed foods considering true cost and impacts on human well being
• One health perspective on Aquaculture in a food systems context
• Methods and metrics for assessing the impact of integrated food system approaches on nutrition.
• Socio-technical interventions and policy incentives aimed at reducing food loss and waste, improving food distribution networks, circular food economy and One Health.
• Innovative approaches and strategies for promoting just access to nutritious and safe food.
• Exploring frameworks that integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions to enhance nutritional outcomes.
• Case studies of successful integrative approaches in different regions.
• Inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches to integrating nutrition orientation at different nodes of food systems.
• Understanding multi-dimensional benefits and costs of sustainable food practices.
• Demand creation for healthy nutritious diets
• Market impacts on access to healthy diets
• Urban agriculture and local food systems as pathways to improve urban nutrition.
• Localized approaches to integrating economic, social, and environmental sustainability in food systems.
• Gender equity dynamics and social inclusiveness, including youth programming of food systems.
• Impact of climate change on food systems and adaptive pathways.
• Balancing ethical concerns with practical solutions in food system design and implementation.

We are interested in diverse types of manuscripts, including original research articles, reviews, case studies, policy analyses, and perspective pieces. By bringing together a wide range of research and insights, we aim to provide comprehensive recommendations for developing resilient and sustainable food systems that enhance global health and contribute to economic, social and environmental sustainability goals.

Impact

Frontiers in Nutrition

Food Policy and Economics

Nutrition and Sustainable Diets

Participating Journals

Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems

Nutrition and Sustainable Diets