The Role of Public Health in Promoting a Food System that is Safe, Secure, and Sustainable: S3.

Public health and safety considerations are an integral component to local food systems policy. A healthy food system should ensure the well being of consumers. To achieve that goal, local food systems policy should ensure that food is Safe, Secure, and Sustainable (S3) by supporting and encouraging healthy production of food for all.  Nothing in food systems policy should undermine the public’s health, especially the health of our vulnerable populations including our children, the elderly, or those who are immunecompromised.  Over time, our food system has become more centralized, decreasing reliance on local farmers and backyard gardens to feed the Country. Convenience foods became core to our diets and unfortunately have resulted in heart disease, diabetes, and childhood obesity among other things. In addition, taking better care of our environment is also on people’s minds.  There are many food systems lessons that have been learned over time. These lessons must not be overlooked when reformulating local policy. In fact, the lessons learned should be reflected upon and risk-based interventions integrated into new food systems policy that are protective of public health and the environment, making our local food system in San Diego County Safe, Secure, and Sustainable: (S3).