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Food systems lie at the intersection of sustainability, food security, and climate change. In Western societies, consumption patterns have a significant environmental footprint, yet only a small proportion of consumers prioritize seasonal and locally produced food. Urban areas are more susceptible to food insecurity, with certain populations facing greater challenges in accessing healthier and more sustainable food systems. Meanwhile, in rural areas, aging populations encounter difficulties in accessing commercial food markets. As a result, individual food choices, shaped by their immediate food environment, have profound implications not only for health but also for the environment, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.
This study examines the impact of Portuguese households' food choices on climate change and explores whether food security—encompassing health considerations—aligns with concerns about environmental footprints. Additionally, it investigates whether socio-economic and environmental conditions act as barriers to or enablers of the transition toward more sustainable and healthy dietary practices.
To analyze these dynamics, a telephone survey was conducted between July and August 2024, gathering responses from 1,813 households across mainland Portugal (with a 2% margin of error at a 95% confidence interval).
The results reveal distinct spatial trends across different Portuguese territories, particularly between urban and rural areas, as well as between the northern and southern regions. These differences are evident in terms of food security, including access to food, which is more constrained in metropolitan areas; perceptions of a healthy and sustainable food system; and the extent to which individuals’ dietary habits align with sustainability principles. Notably, while some individuals who believe they eat healthily do adhere to better diets, the majority of respondents overestimated the healthiness and sustainability of their food choices.
From a policy perspective, the survey results indicate that 85% of respondents support state intervention in the food system, agreeing on the need for government policies to promote food security and sustainability. The most widely supported measures include soil conservation initiatives, urban gardening programs, and food literacy campaigns.
These findings highlight the need for targeted policies that account for regional disparities and the socio-economic and environmental realities that shape food choices in Portugal. By addressing both structural and behavioral factors, policymakers can foster a more sustainable and resilient food system—one that balances food security with environmental responsibility.
| Keywords | Food choices; perceptions; food security; healthy diet; sustainability; Portugal |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
