Thinking about 'food security': engaging with UK consumers

'Food security' has recently gained policy salience in the UK and internationally. Definitions vary, but the term is generally used by policy makers to imply sustained access by all consumers to sufficient food that is affordable, safe, nutritious and appropriate for an active and healthy life. Recent attention partly reflects anxiety over possible resource and environmental instabilities within the food system and the effects of economic recession. Food prices are often used to signal potential food insecurity; prices have risen recently in Britain as elsewhere, along with increased fuel costs and significant financial and job insecurities. All these factors are likely to have differential effects on food management in households living in different social and economic circumstances. Recent research using a mixed methods approach explored some of these complexities by engaging with UK consumers to examine people's reactions to increasing food prices and their views on responsibility for 'food security'. Well aware of increased food costs, most could identify key commodities and many cited increased oil and input prices as causes; some made links to the larger financial crisis. Few knew the term 'food security'; though most initially interpreted it as food safety and quality, the idea that affordable, healthy food should be available and accessible for all was widely recognised. Many saw this as increasingly difficult for themselves and others in current circumstances and, while acknowledging commercial realities, look to government primarily to secure nutrition and food security for all.