Topic > Food Shortage and Society Today

- Today, with an ever-increasing population, food production has become a cause for concern. In order to produce food for the world, some questionable practices have been adopted when it comes to producing our food. The main types of production are organic, conventional and biodynamic production. Unfortunately, conventional agriculture is how most of our food is produced. This refers to “agricultural systems that include the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other ongoing inputs” (Appropedia, 2016), all of which people generally do not want to feel present in their food. It has only been in the last 20 years that different forms of food production have arisen as a result of people no longer wanting harsh chemicals to be part of their diet. Biodynamics is a “holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition” (Biodynamics Association, 2016) that is very similar to organic food. Organic food is regulated by strict government standards, which require that products bearing the organic label be “produced without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, or genetic engineering” (Haumann, n.d.) . The biggest difference between organic and biodynamic is that biodynamic doesn't use anything outside of your farm. While organic farms can purchase organic feed or seeds, biodynamic farms must produce everything in their own factories. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay - Food insecurity in a household is "when any of its members do not have the resources they need to obtain adequate amounts of nutritious food." ” (Blake, 2016, p. 601) When people experience food insecurity they are at risk of malnutrition due to the lack of calories and nutrients in their diet. Although America is a wealthy country, it still has many families/citizens who are unable to provide sufficient food to all members due to lack of resources. Most often the cause of food insecurity in the United States is poverty Hispanics and Hispanic families are all more likely to experience food insecurity. Not only are people in the above categories at risk of food insecurity, but so are many families with one or more adults in the workforce and people who are well off. job but are laid off, sooner or later they may become victims of food insecurity. Along with external forces, health problems such as chronic diseases, disabilities, substance abuse and mental illnesses can also increase food insecurity. One of the main factors increasing food insecurity around the world is crop failure, natural disasters and wasteful agricultural practices. Some of the contributors to food security may be beyond our control, but there are ways to help many people who face insecurity. Food-insecure children may receive free or reduced school meals, which are typically nutritious and filling. Many families are eligible for WIC or food stamps which only allow the purchase of healthy, nutritious food.