Equity as a priority in EAT–Lancet-aligned food system transformations

• Published in: Nature food Vol. 5; no. 10; pp. 811 - 817
• Main Authors: Marrero, Abrania, Nicoson, Christie, Kelahan, Heather, Mendoza, Kenny, Salvia, Meg, Golden, Christopher, Mattei, Josiemer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01-10-2024
• Subjects: 704/844/2787; 704/844/685; 706/1143; Humanities and Social Sciences; multidisciplinary; Perspective; Science; Science (multidisciplinary)
• ISSN: 2662-1355; 2662-1355
• DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-01047-1

Food systems drive human and environmental change, reflect diverse cultural and ecological contexts, and, in their diversity, can bolster nutrition and planetary health. Ignoring structural inequities in food system transformations risks offsetting potential gains. We summarize current evidence on the context-dependent implications of EAT–
Lancet
goals and propose six priority areas to guide equitable food system transformations, targeting food and nutrition security, just sustainability and cultural diversity. Priority areas—namely, diverse and nutritious food access, food industry regulation, climate-resilient food production, localized, small-scale food systems, cultural diversity and social well-being—can be achieved through public, private and civil society action.
The EAT–
Lancet
Commission has offered recommendations to achieve healthy and sustainable diets, but how to operationalize these recommendations for an equitable food system transformation is unclear. This Perspective proposes six areas under food and nutrition security, just sustainability and food cultural diversity to help ensure equity is set as a priority.