Food Security in Global Food Distribution Networks: A Systems Thinking Approach

Food security is a critical aspect of human survival. As the world continues to expand and become more interconnected, there is a growing global demand for safe-to-eat, quality food that can be delivered to the consumer in a safe and efficient manner. A system that can achieve this will need to consider the logistical challenges of providing food to all countries around the globe in the current and future state while maintaining resiliency against distribution disruptions due to geopolitical impacts, such as wars, policy changes, pandemics, etc. This paper explores the current state of the global food distribution network, considering a variety of global impacts on food security and the interconnected network, the stakeholder influence on the food distribution network, and the various interactions of a system that attempts to achieve food security on a global scale. The food distribution system focuses on the network beginning with the food items harvested by farmers, or other suppliers, and ending with the delivery of items to the consumer through grocery stores and farmers markets, where the consumer selects the item and purchases it for consumption. A systemigram and stakeholder map were generated to highlight the key interactions amongst the food distribution system and identify key growth areas within the system.