Approaching the wicked problem of obesity: an introduction to the food system compass

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on food consumption as part of the wicked problem of obesity. Specifically, the authors seek to explore the complex interplay between stakeholders such as food producers, marketers, health and medical practitioners and policymakers and their influence on the ways in which individuals consume food and also chart a course forward using a systems approach, social marketing techniques and social enterprise to develop solutions to effect change. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper that proposes the food system compass to understand the complex interplay between stakeholders. Findings This new tool will provide social marketers with an improved understanding of the complexity of interactions between stakeholders and outcomes and integrating the necessity for coordination within and across micro, meso, exo and macro levels of the system as well as across sectors, institutions and stakeholders. Research limitations/implications This is a conceptual paper and proposes the food system compass which offers a foundation for future research to expand upon. Originality/value This paper seeks to advance the theoretical base of social marketing by providing new insights into the trans-disciplinary and dynamic circumstances surrounding food consumption and obesity and highlights leverage points where joint actions can be facilitated with actors across and between micro, meso, exo and macro levels.

Who Cares? The Importance of Emotional Connections with Nature to Ensure Food Security and Wellbeing in Cities

“…But views on food can vary significantly from individual to individual based on their own experiences, family and cultural histories, belief systems, education and socio-economic position. In other words, foodscapes can influence food choices [31,33,35,37,86,87], but food choices can also influence foodscapes [31]. This is mainly achieved by way of economics (customer purchasing power) and to a lesser extent food politics (such as ethical, fair trade, sustainable growing, health messaging and food regulations).…”

“…Food choices are driven by a combination of individual factors, social influences (networks of family and peers), physical environments (home, school, after-school programs, and neighbourhood) and macro-level environment (cultural, economic and political factors) [35,71,74,77,[80][81][82][83][84]. The term "foodscapes", originally used in geography, encapsulates these interactions well.…”

“…Food literacy captures food and nutritional education, and is recognized as being critical for individual empowerment within the food system [35,122]. It consists of these interrelated domains: food, nutrition and health (including wellbeing); agriculture (as part of the food system), environment and ecology; social development and equity (including economic, cultural and political factors); and the skills and ability for planning, managing, selecting, preparing and eating food [110,122,123].…”

“…Food deserts are "those areas of inner cities where cheap, nutritious food is virtually unobtainable and large geographical areas without access to healthy and affordable foods" [33] (p. 213). Food deserts are more prevalent in lower socio-economic areas and result in higher levels of food insecurity [34][35][36][37]. As an example, in Australia somewhere between 5-11% of the population is food insecure, with certain groups (e.g., unemployed people, single parent households, low-income earners, rental households, young people, indigenous, culturally and linguistically diverse and socially isolated people) being more susceptible [35,38,39].…”

“…Food deserts are more prevalent in lower socio-economic areas and result in higher levels of food insecurity [34][35][36][37]. As an example, in Australia somewhere between 5-11% of the population is food insecure, with certain groups (e.g., unemployed people, single parent households, low-income earners, rental households, young people, indigenous, culturally and linguistically diverse and socially isolated people) being more susceptible [35,38,39]. This is partially explained by limited financial resources, as production of food in cities is limited, and purchasing is the key method of obtaining food for urban populations [40].…”