These growing pressures are shining a spotlight on the urgent need for new and lasting solutions that ensure everyone can access food in a dignified and equitable way. Associate Professor Rachel Carey at the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences (SAFES) at The University of Melbourne says that food is more than a basic necessity. “Food is a human right recognised under international law. Around the world, there is growing momentum behind approaches that place human rights at the centre of creating fairer, more resilient food systems. This special briefing from the Foodprint Melbourne research team explores why Victoria’s response to food insecurity should be grounded in a human rights framework. “In 2022, around eight per cent of Victorian adults experienced severe food insecurity, meaning they ran out of food and could not afford to buy more. At the same time, demand for emergency food relief services continues to rise,” says Rachel. Foodprint Melbourne calls for a shift away from short-term responses and instead encourages approaches that address the underlying causes of food insecurity. The aim is to support people to be able to feed themselves through dignified and sustainable means. Among the recommendations is amending Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities to include both the right to adequate food and the right to a healthy environment. “These rights are not only essential to individual wellbeing, but they are also critical foundations for building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient food system for the future.”