Food security is defined as physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food and has historically been recognized as a fundamental right. Nevertheless, today, even in developed countries, persons with disabilities are dramatically affected by food insecurity. This section identifies the main barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing food, the impacts of food insecurity on health, and policy gaps by comparing the situation in low- and middle-income countries with that in developed countries. The main challenges include (1) economic vulnerability, disability cost premium, and employment deficiencies; (2) structural barriers such as physical and environmental obstacles and social stigma; (3) lack of accessibility in digital food and health applications; (4) increasing food inflation and vulnerabilities during global crises such as COVID-19; and (5) lack of disability-specific data, which makes policy development difficult. Although many countries have various social assistance programs to reduce food insecurity, persons with disabilities face difficulties in benefiting from these programs. The fact that these aids do not cover all individuals with disabilities, difficulties in applications, neglect of the special dietary needs of persons with disabilities, and situations such as exclusion and stigmatization prevent individuals from adequately benefiting from these programs. Food insecurity alone can increase the risk of physical and mental health problems and mortality, but the situation becomes even more serious among vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. This entry also provides an evidence-based framework for the development of future policies and community-based initiatives aimed at ending hunger and ensuring health equity for persons with disabilities.

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Food Security

  • Gamze Altintaş,
  • Asli Uçar

摘要

Food security is defined as physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food and has historically been recognized as a fundamental right. Nevertheless, today, even in developed countries, persons with disabilities are dramatically affected by food insecurity. This section identifies the main barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing food, the impacts of food insecurity on health, and policy gaps by comparing the situation in low- and middle-income countries with that in developed countries. The main challenges include (1) economic vulnerability, disability cost premium, and employment deficiencies; (2) structural barriers such as physical and environmental obstacles and social stigma; (3) lack of accessibility in digital food and health applications; (4) increasing food inflation and vulnerabilities during global crises such as COVID-19; and (5) lack of disability-specific data, which makes policy development difficult. Although many countries have various social assistance programs to reduce food insecurity, persons with disabilities face difficulties in benefiting from these programs. The fact that these aids do not cover all individuals with disabilities, difficulties in applications, neglect of the special dietary needs of persons with disabilities, and situations such as exclusion and stigmatization prevent individuals from adequately benefiting from these programs. Food insecurity alone can increase the risk of physical and mental health problems and mortality, but the situation becomes even more serious among vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities. This entry also provides an evidence-based framework for the development of future policies and community-based initiatives aimed at ending hunger and ensuring health equity for persons with disabilities.