Physiol Behav. 2020 May 14;222:112943. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112943. [Epub ahead of print]

Policies to reduce food insecurity: An ethical imperative.

Miller DP1, Thomas MMC2.

Author information

1

Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, U.S.. Electronic address: dpmiller@bu.edu.

2

Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, U.S.. Electronic address: mthomas7@bu.edu.

Abstract

A quarter of U.S. households receive food assistance, yet more than 11% still experience food insecurity annually. We argue that an expansion-oriented approach to food and nutrition assistance policy is an ethical imperative. Drawing on values from the Capability Approach and Social Empathy Model and supported by empirical evidence, we propose an ethical framework characterized by four principles that can be used to assess and inform the development of just food policies. We argue that policies should (1) embrace compassion, (2) create opportunity, (3) consider essential needs, and (4) promote knowledge and empathy. In an applied case, we evaluate current SNAP policy in terms of those principles and offer recommendations to promote justice in the design and implementation of SNAP and other food policies.