Food Security: Definition and Evolution of the Concept

Objective. The objective of the article is to study the evolution of the concept of «food security» and to substantiate the feasibility of forming new approaches to its definition. Methods. The study uses general scientific and research methods: theoretical generalization and comparison (to summarize the definitions of approaches to understanding the essence of the concept of «food security» and changes in the definition of «food security» from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), analysis and synthesis (to determine the factors influencing the change in the concept of «food security»), systematization of definitions (to determine similar views of scientists). Results. The article examines the concept of «food security» as an important socio-economic category that has been transformed over the millennia, reflecting the means of preserving humanity from hunger to meet individual needs at the present stage of development and summarizes its definition. Comparing the definition of «food security» according to the FAO and leading scholars such as Megan Carney, Raj Patel, Shenggen Fan and others, it is necessary to emphasize the areas in which this concept is considered and supplemented, namely social justice, economic development, sustainable agriculture, environmental sustainability, etc. Scientists emphasize that food security is not limited to physical access to food, but also includes the right kind of food, social justice in the distribution of resources and access to them, and the need to preserve the environment. That is, on the one hand, food security is a broad enough concept to be globally oriented, taking into account the needs and conditions of different countries and regions of the world, and on the other hand, at the individual level, it reflects physical, social, and economic access to safe and nutritious food for any person in any time of need, which meets dietary needs and food preferences, which, in turn, ensure an active, fulfilling and healthy life. Thus, the FAO's definition of food security is more general and globally oriented, while the views of the scientists considered in the research provide a more specific and comprehensive approach. In order to address the issue of food security effectively it is important to take into account not only physical access to food but also a wide range of social, economic and environmental factors.