Right to adequate food

What does this mean?

The right to adequate food means the availability of food in a quantity and quality sufficient to satisfy the dietary needs of individuals, free from adverse substances and acceptable within a given culture. It also means the accessibility of such food in ways that are sustainable and that do not interfere with the enjoyment of other human rights.

Dietary needs -means the diet as a whole should contain a mix of nutrients for physical and mental growth, development and maintenance, and physical activity according to human physiological needs at all stages throughout the life cycle

Free from adverse substances -sets requirements for food safety and for a range of protective measures to prevent contamination of foodstuffs and poor environmental hygiene or inappropriate handling of food

Cultural or consumer acceptability -means other cultural issues should be taken into account

Availability -refers to the possibilities either for growing your own food or through accessing food by other means

Accessibility –means food must be both affordable and physically accessible particularly for physically vulnerable individuals.

When could this be relevant?

• People living at home being able to access shops to buy food, or are given support to do so if required

• Quality of nutrition and hydration for older people

• Ensuring staff numbers in care homes are sufficient to encourage and help residents to eat well and drink regularly

• Ensuring menus are properly planned for older people who have diabetes, unplanned weight loss or difficulty swallowing and chewing etc.