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

Area of Science:

• Food Systems Science
• Sustainability Science
• Public Health Nutrition

Background:

• Food systems significantly impact human well-being and environmental health.
• Transformations in food systems must consider diverse cultural and ecological contexts to be effective.
• Existing structural inequities can undermine the benefits of food system changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the context-dependent implications of the EAT-Lancet goals.
• To propose priority areas for equitable food system transformations.
• To guide actions promoting food and nutrition security, just sustainability, and cultural diversity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current evidence.
• Analysis of the EAT-Lancet goals within various contexts.
• Identification and prioritization of key areas for intervention.

Main Results:

• The EAT-Lancet goals have context-dependent implications.
• Six priority areas are identified for equitable food system transformation.
• These areas include diverse food access, industry regulation, climate-resilient production, localized systems, cultural diversity, and social well-being.

Conclusions:

• Equitable food system transformations require addressing structural inequities.
• Achieving just sustainability and cultural diversity is central to successful food system changes.
• Public, private, and civil society collaboration is essential for implementing priority actions.