Impact of Local and Global Food Availability

Section 1: Local Food Availability

The access to local produce can significantly impact food choices, nutrient intake, and dietary patterns.
Seasonality of foods in a particular area plays a crucial role. People tend to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season, leading to a diet that changes throughout the year.
The local food economy and infrastructure influence what foods are available. In regions where significant amounts of food are grown or raised, there may be a wider variety available, including fresh produce, dairy, and meats.
Local food culture can influence the types of food available. A community rich in culinary tradition may have access to a wider variety of local ingredients.
Food scarcity in some regions due to environmental issues, such as droughts or floods, can affect the variety and quantity of food available.

Section 2: Global Food Availability

Imported foods increase diversity of diets by making a wider range of foods available year-round, irrespective of local growing conditions.
Global trade policies and practices influence the prices and availability of imported foods.
Population growth and urbanisation at a global level can strain the food supply, leading to food shortages and higher prices.
Environmental sustainability concerns could affect our dependence on certain global food sources. For instance, overfishing threatens fish stocks worldwide, leading to potential restrictions on certain types of seafood.
The globalisation of food trends and dietary shifts can affect food demand and supply. For example, increased demand for plant-based proteins may impact the availability and pricing of these products.
Availability of certain global foods can affect food choices and dietary practices in different cultures, potentially leading to the homogenisation of diets.

Section 3: Impact on Dietary Patterns and Food Choices

Dietary diversity can be affected by the range of foods available. A greater variety of available foods often results in a diet that includes a broader range of nutrients.
Food prices, influenced by the cost of production, distribution, and importation/exportation, can impact the decision-making around food choices, particularly for lower income households.
Perishability of food items plays a role in availability. Fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, need to be consumed quickly and require refrigeration, affecting choices particularly in areas with unreliable electricity.
Greater availability of processed and convenience foods can lead to a rise in the consumption of these items, potentially contributing to poor nutrition and health outcomes.

Remember, local and global food availability doesn’t solely determine dietary patterns and food choices. These are complex behaviours influenced by a multitude of factors including social, cultural, personal, and environmental influences.