"Every day we take dozens of decisions that influence the nutrition of our family members, friends, colleagues and our own. These decisions depend on the determinants for good nutrition of the UNICEF Framework and the four dimensions of Food and Nutrition Security: availability, access, use/utilization and stability. They are therefore very different in the North of Mali, a mega-city in India or rural Europe. At the same time there is more to food than the socio-economic facts. Food has cultural and religious dimensions; it can define affiliation to groups of society or status. Not only long-term well-being but also short-term personal satisfaction is linked to our food intake.
Therefore, these guidelines cover a topic that goes beyond these four dimensions by addressing the existing scope for behavioural changes in any given environment. Our joint vision to overcome hunger and malnutrition in all its forms by 2030 will only come true, if we not only strengthen the socio-economic capacities of people but also strengthen the capacities to make the right nutrition choices and stick to them. Information on healthy diets is important but not enough to make a difference in the long run. We have to question our approach and develop it further based on evidence not assumptions. Sound analyses of the target group and the underlying factors of nutrition choices are key. Applying the knowledge of behavioural science helps to tap into the psychological and social effects. This tool guides you systematically with concrete examples to work on increasing motivation and breaking barriers for nutrition. With frequency and consistency." (Foreword)