A Review of the Impact of Food Policies on Food Security Status and Healthy/Unhealthy Food Consumption

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity refers to a household’s financial inability to access adequate food. Food subsidy programs are the right strategies that have been undertaken for many years in some countries. Aim: This study aims to summarize and compare the impact of some subsidy programs on food security as a narrative review. Methods: Community-based studies analyzing the impact of food policies on food security status and healthy/unhealthy food consumption were reviewed. Our search keywords included food tax, healthy/unhealthy food, food security, food subsidy, targeted subsidy, and Iran. Results and conclusion: Some subsidy programs aim to improve food security and nutritional status of low-income individuals. Developing countries, for the improvement of food security and hunger, use some food subsidy programs that can improve the food security status. One of the most used programs is a food subsidy program in schools. Unfortunately, the targeted subsidy policy in Iran has affected the nutritional status and food security of households, therefore, it is necessary to implement a food subsidy program for low-income families. Fruits and vegetable subsidies can increase their consumption. Unhealthy food consumption decreases by implementing food tax programs, especially if the number of tax increases. In general, cash subsidies are more beneficial in improving the nutritional status.