Food insecurity as a source of supply chain risk? An alternate perspective on a vicious cycle

Purpose The objective of this paper is to provide a perspective on food insecurity as an antecedent and enabling condition of supply chain risk. The goal is to scope a research landscape for evaluating this relationship and to encourage future research in this underexplored direction. Design/methodology/approach Building on extant literature on food security and supply chain risk management, we conceptualize food insecurity as a social condition that generates or intensifies existing supply chain risks. Findings We provide a framework and propositions to explore the mechanisms through which food insecurity may become operationally consequential across the micro-meso-macro levels. We also discuss different interventions for mitigation. Practical implications Using real-world examples, we illustrate how the impact of food insecurity-related disturbances may affect supply chain performance. We discuss reactive, active, and proactive interventions involving business decision-making and policymaking. Originality/value We explore an underexplored pathway of how food insecurity affects supply chain performance. We position food insecurity not only as an outcome but as an antecedent of supply chain risk.