Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

It is estimated that more than a billion people, one in every six human beings, may be suffering from under-nourishment.

The rise in food prices in 2007-08, followed by the financial and economic crisis in 2009, has heightened awareness on poverty and hunger issues around the world. The international community is mobilizing to face this situation and eradicate hunger from the face of the earth.

The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) is the United Nations’ forum for reviewing and following up on policies concerning world food security. It also examines issues which affect the world food situation.  It was established as a result of the food crisis of the 1970s, upon recommendation from the 1974 World Food Conference.

Member countries agree to reform

In the 35th Session the members of CFS have agreed on a wide-ranging reform that aims to make CFS the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform dealing with food security and nutrition and to be a central component in the evolving Global Partnership for Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition.

The CFS reforms are designed to focus the Committee’s vision and role on the global coordination of efforts to eliminate hunger and ensure food security for all. This includes supporting national anti-hunger plans and initiatives; ensuring that all relevant voices are heard in the policy debate on food and agriculture; strengthening linkages at regional, national and local levels; and basing decisions on scientific evidence and state of the art knowledge.

Read the FAO Press Release about the CFS Reform