Health Professionals’ Role in Promoting Health and Environmental Sustainability through Sustainable Food Advocacy: A Systematic Literature Review

Mirko Prosen, Rebeka Lekše and Sabina Ličen ()
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Mirko Prosen: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
Rebeka Lekše: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
Sabina Ličen: Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-13

Abstract: The relationship between health, environmental sustainability, and food systems has garnered increasing attention, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare professionals in advocating for sustainable food practices. This systematic literature review aimed to examine their role in promoting health and environmental sustainability through sustainable food advocacy. Following a systematic and rigorous methodology, eligible articles published in English within the past five years were searched and screened, resulting in a total of five articles for further analysis. The review revealed the fragmented debate on food security and sustainability, emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems to address various challenges. Specific actions identified include reducing plate waste in hospitals, implementing sustainable food sourcing strategies in healthcare to mitigate the climate footprint, and promoting sustainable nutrition. The findings underscore the importance of education, community engagement, governance, and a systemic approach in driving positive change regarding nutrition, health, and sustainability. This review offers important perspectives for healthcare practice, allied health educational programs, research, and public health policy development. It highlights the importance of healthcare professionals in advocating for sustainable food practices, which play a critical role in improving health outcomes and reducing environmental impacts.

Keywords: sustainable practices; health outcomes; sustainable nutrition; health education; environmental impact (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13651-:d:1238527

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