Letter: Nutritionist praises food security goals

I commend Albie Miles' commentary, “Start Food System Planning Now” (Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, February 6) and the state's efforts to strengthen food security.

As a nutritionist, I encourage policy makers to consider the following:

1) Lifelong nutritional needs, not just adequate calories. This includes strengthening the supply of diverse infant formulas, supplements and diverse local ingredients. 2) Make the most of federally funded supplemental food programs, emergency food sources, and local food purchases. 3) Tourism impacts the consumption of locally produced food and the economic value of tourism to sustain local food producers. 4) Military contributions to maintaining emergency food transport and storage. 5) The value of expanding education about making healthy, nutritious choices, minimizing food waste, and making the most of home gardens.

Food insecure people are at higher risk of many diseases (which increases costs for society), and food security is considered a human right.

Dr. Joda P. Derrickson

Aina Haina

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