Diet and sustainability: recent findings and future directions

Food and agriculture contribute to two major global challenges: poor diets and environmental degradation. While diet quality in the U.S. has improved slightly, progress has been slow, and unhealthy, unsustainable diets continue to drive health problems, inequities, and environmental impacts. Research shows that healthier, more sustainable diets can benefit both people and the planet, but affordability remains a major barrier. Addressing these challenges requires making sustainable diets accessible through better policies, food systems, and efforts to reduce economic and structural barriers.