Attention has shifted to environmental causes of health status, particularly obesity, now defined as a worldwide epidemic. Moving from medical and educational models of intervention, this approach focuses on how changes in the social and physical environment enhance families and individuals to make health choices. Using illustrations from current intervention programs, we demonstrate how a community capitals approach can help identify what is in place to enable healthy food and exercise choices, and how those assets can be used to empower families and individuals to take conscious actions to improve their health and quality of life.

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ABSTRACT. This article presents a conceptual framework for understanding the interrelationships among sustainable food systems, food decision-making, and health and well-being. The Food Decision-Making Framework (FDF) builds upon findings from food decision-making research and community-based practice. It draws upon concepts and theories related to decision-making and family and community interaction from human ecology, community development, agriculture and food systems, and systems thinking. This article provides an overview of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of the framework and describes the interrelationships among the components. Research and community food system examples illustrate its utility for framing research questions, interpreting findings, and applying research to program and policy planning.

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