The Community Food System world has a number of specialized terms typically unfamiliar to those not in the field. We have compiled a glossary of frequently used terms to clarify their meanings in regards to Food to Share’s work.

  • Food security

    The state in which all persons obtain a nutritionally adequate, culturally acceptable diet at all times through nonemergency sources, including food from local production. Food security broadens the traditional concept of hunger, embracing a systemic view of the causes of hunger and poor nutrition within a community while identifying the changes necessary to prevent their occurrence. Food security programs confront hunger and poverty. - USDA

  • Food Pantry

    A public or private nonprofit organization that distributes food to low-income and unemployed households, including food from sources other than the Department of Agriculture, to relieve situations of emergency and distress.

  • Food System

    A dynamic structure consisting of the production, distribution, acquisition, consumption and disposal of food.

  • Gleaning

    Gleaning is the act of harvesting crops after the commercial harvest has occurred. The “gleaning” may come from farms, neighborhoods, producers, distributors, institutions or restaurants.

  • Greenhouse Gas (GHG)

    gas in an atmosphere that absorbs and emits radiation within the thermal infrared range. This process is the fundamental cause of the greenhouse effect. (Wikipedia)

  • Nutrition

    Broadly understood to be the balance of energy (in the form of calories), macro-, and micro-nutrients that are necessary for a body's health, growth, and reproduction. 

  • Packing Houses

    Facilities that function as food hubs. Produce is aggregated, packed, and shipped to retailers, distributers, and customers.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    The U.S. government program that issues debit-like EBT (electronic benefit transfer) cards to low-income or no-income citizens to purchase food.

All definitions were found at: http://foodglossary.pbworks.com/w/page/48934391/Index or http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/efan-electronic-publications-from-the-food-assistance-nutrition-research-program/efan02013.aspx or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:13 +0000