Food Insecurity

Food security is classified as “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”(WHO,2011), whereas food insecurity exists "whenever the availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or the ability to acquire acceptable food in socially acceptable ways is limited or uncertain." (Radimer, 2002).In Australia it has been reported that in the 19-24 year old bracket the prevalence of food insecurity was 9% for males and 12% for females (Burns, 2004). Hunger and food insecurity is Australia’s “hidden crisis” yet obesity is on the increase and has been declared an epidemic. National data indicates that obesity is most prevalent amongst those at highest risk of food insecurity. The co-existence of obesity and food insecurity sounds contradictory but it is Australia’s “hidden crisis” (Burns, 2004). Whereas links between food insecurity and low diet quality might be expected, the association between food insecurity and overweight is something of a paradox. This could be due to a broad spectrum of reasons including lack of nutritional education, resources and accessibility. To overcome this issue in Australian, two recipes have been designed for the inclusion in a cookbook for school leavers. These two recipes address the constraints faced by the target audience, thus allowing them to enjoy inexpensive, healthy and nutritional meals.

The cost of a meal is the predominant constraint surrounding food insecure youths. The Jamie Oliver hungover noodles cost in total $4.78 for four serves ($1.20 per serve). The spiced apple dessert scones make 4 serves which cost $1.43 ($0.36 per serve). Served together, this two course meal would cost a total of $1.80. It was indicated in a survey conducted at Stanthorpe State High School (SSHS) that students believed that $10 was an appropriate amount to allocate for a two course dinner meal (one main meal and one dessert). However, these two recipes have been able to provide an individual with a 2 course meal for a maximum of four nights for under $6.50. Therefore, it is evident that these two recipes have high suitability in terms of cost for the target audience; food insecure youths.

The nutritional aspect of food security is often overlooked, as individuals believe that by just ensuring people are eating regular meals they are food secure. An important part of food security is access to "nutritionally adequate and safe foods" (Radimer, 2002). In a study, it was found that food insecure youth have higher fat intake then their food secure counterparts (Widome et al.,2009). This is perhaps due to the false perception that fast food and highly processed foods are more affordable (Drewnowski 2004). It is therefore another aim of these recipes to inform the general public and specifically food insecure youths that nutritional and delicious meals can be made at prices that rival the price of nutrient