Food security defines the basic necessities such as food as part of an individual’s well-being. These necessities are subject to change as they are dependent on cost, and socio-political factors. With daily disruption in the economical status of the market, food prices have been distorted accordingly. People at risk will be identified along with some of the key reasons as to why food insecurity is been experienced by New Zealanders. The overall control of food insecurity is governed by legislations, which are reviewed by the government and act as a response to the problem and allows for development of how correct procedures can help manage this issue.
Food security is the ability to access nutritionally safe, adequate and affordable food; which puts a positive effect not only on the nutrition and physical health but also the mental health of Aotearoa/ New Zealand (Carter, Kruse, Blakely & Collings, 2011). Insufficient food or lack of nutritious foods can lead to inadequate nutrition, resulting in compromised intakes of energy and nutrients, affecting the physical performance; multiple chronic conditions and obesity (Carter, Kruse, Blakely & Collings, 2011).
Sky reaching prices of food are increasing the number of New Zealanders who are unable to afford healthier food. Today’s environment is as such in New Zealand, whereby unhealthy food is highly promoted, and people have better access to them and above all are affordable (Food Policy: Greening the Food Basket, 2011). In New Zealand, Maori, Pacific and other low income households have identified cost of food and lack of money as one barrier to making healthier food choices (Gorton & McKerchar, 2010). Food prices have gone high and are significantly increasing with a rose of 4.6% in 2010 and are expected to increase at the back of global commodity price increase (Eaqub, 2011). In an analysis published by Vicki Robinson it states that there is inequity and financial difficulty faced by families on low income to buy themselves healthy food and meet the daily nutritional needs (Johnson, 2011). It is understood that food insecurity and its consequences of poor nutrition, obesity and other nutrition – related health conditions together with psychological distress are evident in families on low income in New Zealand (Johnson, 2011).
A solution that could help with this situation is by proposing removal of GST from fruits and vegetables. According to Simmons (2011), an economist and author, removing GST from fruits and vegetables could bring relative changes to the prices and could help New Zealanders eating nutritious foods. Cost of food is one of the main determinants of what people choose to eat together with taste and convenience (Gorton & McKerchar, 2010). As over the decade food processing has allowed energy dense foods cheaper than nutritious food (Simmons, 2011). As per Simmons (2011) report, removal of GST could save $2.50 per household per week, which means less expense on alcohol fags. According to Gorton & McKerchar (2010), Supermarket Health Options Project suggests that removing GST from fruits and vegetables will have a positive impact by increasing consumption by 10% for a 12.5% discount. There does not seem to be much legislation around food security in New Zealand. Anyone selling or trading food for profit only comes under the scope of this act (Wilkinson, 2012). The bill in no way affects people’s right to grow their own food and then exchange, sell or trade it. Food grown for