Author(s)

SHAHLA WUNDERLICH, CHARLES FELDMAN

Abstract

Sustainable food systems are essential for ensuring environmental health and food security in the face of a growing world population. Achieving sustainability requires balancing environmentally sound food production with responsible food consumption and effective food waste management. The current food system must evolve to preserve natural resources, reduce environmental degradation and enhance resilience. This transition involves shifting from resource-intensive agricultural practices toward agroecological approaches that emphasize ecological renewal, resilient farming practices and long-term sustainability. At the same time, substantial food loss and waste across the food supply chain have severe environmental consequences. According to reports, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption, over one billion tons annually, is lost or wasted worldwide, contributing an estimated 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These losses not only undermine food security efforts but are exacerbating climate change and resource depletion. The purpose of this scoping review is to examine publications and reports identified through Google Scholar and scholarly database searches to highlight efforts aimed at advancing sustainable food systems. It also attempts to bring into line these efforts with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, which seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. The review addresses three primary objectives: (a) defining key agroecological principles, including land and natural resource conservation; (b) examining strategies for sustainable food production; and (c) evaluating consumer behaviour modification within the context of food consumption and food waste reduction. Currently, consumption patterns and food waste behaviours do not adequately support sustainability goals. Therefore, this discussion places particular emphasis on consumer-focused interventions, including educational lessons and social media campaigns, as effective tools for raising awareness and motivating behavioural change. Transforming consumer behaviour is a critical component of reducing food waste and strengthening sustainable food systems.

Keywords

sustainability, food waste, environmental impact, food supply chain, agroecological principles