Food decision-making framework: Connecting sustainable food systems to health and well-being

This article presents a conceptual framework for understanding the interrelationships among sustainable food systems, food decision-making, and health and well-being. The Food Decision-Making Framework (FDF) builds upon findings from food decision-making research and community-based practice. It draws upon concepts and theories related to decision-making and family and community interaction from human ecology, community development, agriculture and food systems, and systems thinking. This article provides an overview of the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of the framework and describes the interrelationships among the components. Research and community food system examples illustrate its utility for framing research questions, interpreting findings, and applying research to program and policy planning.