Policy Briefs

So What | N°34, june 2026

In Ethiopia, undernutrition among women and young children coexists with rising levels of overweight and obesity, illustrating the dual burden of malnutrition. The findings of the TAMMIE project show that tackling this dual burden requires a more integrated approach to nutrition governance, combining institutional expertise, sectoral coordination and experiential knowledge, particularly that of women.

So What | N°24, september 2024

The method presented here aims to identify areas at risk of food insecurity by drawing on a range of economic, social, geographical and information-related factors.

So What | N°23, september 2022

In school catering, serving 12 vegetarian meals out of every 20 (instead of the 4 or 5 required by current regulations) and alternating meat and fish with vegetarian ‘protein-rich dishes’ would significantly reduce environmental impacts (notably a 25–50 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions), whilst maintaining good nutritional quality

So What | N°21, june 2022

Poverty is more complex than simply a lack of the income an individual would need to meet their basic needs. It is multidimensional and can manifest itself as a deprivation of capabilities.

So What | N°20, june 2022

Obesity is a major public health issue with associated socio-economic consequences. Obesity has multiple causes, including environmental, biological, psychological and social factors. Furthermore, its consequences include physical, psychological and social complications at an individual level.

So What | N°19, may 2022

Ever since currency and trade have existed, people have wondered about the fair price of goods and services. Aristotle believed that the fair price arose from natural trade, which enables a community to meet its basic needs. This is in contrast to trade carried out with the aim of amassing wealth beyond those needs, characterised by excessive prices.

So What | N°18, may 2022

The recent surge in interest in sustainable food and the development of public policies to support it raise questions about the social disparities that shape this consumption and the factors that determine it.

So What | N°17, july 2021

In France, food is not typically considered a key area of focus for urban planning (Brand et al., 2017), even though local shops – particularly food shops – contribute to social life and the vibrancy of city neighbourhoods (Gasnier and Lemarchand, 2014).

So What | N°16, june 2021

For several years now, research has shown that eating behaviours are determined not only by consumers’ characteristics but also by their food landscape, that is, the geographical layout of food supply – shops, markets, etc. (Vonthron et al., 2020).

So What | N°15, may 2021

Changing eating habits to move towards a healthier diet – one that is less harmful to the environment and accessible to all – is now a major societal challenge. In recent years, the focus has been on informing, raising awareness and educating people to help them make better food choices for their health and for the environment.