Noll and Murdock: Whose Justice is it Anyway? - Sorrel

    The term food security seems to address only the symptoms of hunger, whereas food sovereignty takes a more preventative and holistic approach. Instead of choosing between the two, why not integrate both methods? The ultimate goal should be for people to have the power to determine where and how they obtain their food, though this may not always be immediately feasible. A practical approach could start with food security as a short-term solution while transitioning toward food sovereignty over time.

    I personally favor the food sovereignty approach over food security because it prioritizes the right of communities to define their own agricultural policies. Food sovereignty is inherently community-focused, fostering local resilience and preserving cultural identity. This emphasis on collective well-being aligns with the values I strive to follow in life. Rather than focusing on what divides us, I believe in seeking what connects us. This perspective mirrors the Indigenous model of justice, which views people as interconnected through shared challenges. When applied to food justice, it reinforces the idea that food is a fundamental necessity that links all people – we all eat, and more importantly, we all need to eat to survive.

    The environmental justice aspect of food sovereignty is especially critical in the face of climate change. If we focus solely on food distribution without ensuring that food is sourced sustainably, we will continue to face systemic food shortages. Unsustainable food systems create long-term vulnerabilities, making food justice inseparable from environmental responsibility.

    The case study outlines the importance of addressing the root causes of food justice issues to protect cultural identity and traditional ways of living. For these AmerIndian tribes, fishing for salmon is not just a means of sustenance – it holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. Every community has the right to preserve its local food traditions, and relying exclusively on a food security approach risks erasing these cultural connections. Food sovereignty ensures that food systems remain both sustainable and culturally meaningful, fostering self-determination rather than dependence.