What is the difference between the fundamental right to be free from hunger and the right to adequate food?
The right to freedom from hunger is fundamental, which means that the state has an obligation to ensure, as a minimum, that people do not starve. This right is closely linked to the right to life itself. In addition, however, states should also take all the necessary steps possible towards the goal of full enjoyment of the right to adequate food. This means that everyone must have physical and economic access at all times to food that is adequate in quantity and quality to allow for a healthy and active life. Adequate food must also be culturally acceptable, its provision must not interfere with the enjoyment of other human rights and it must be environmentally and socially sustainable.
