Diet quality and diversity are interconnected. A diet's quality is enhanced by adequate access and consumption of nutrient-rich, minimally processed, diverse array of plant foods within one’s traditional foodways, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Diet quality is also supported by low consumption of ultra-processed foods, including sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, and low-nutrient snack foods.

Ensuring a safe food system means that food does not contain or carry hazards that may have a negative impact on nutrition and health. Safe food systems produce foods free from contamination of bacteria, viruses, mycotoxins, pesticides residues, and heavy metals. In addition, sustainable food systems emphasize options that are free from potentially harmful chemical ingredients or packaging exposures, such as those from coatings or plastics.

Good nutrition is one of the most powerful contributors to human health. In addition to managing weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, a healthy diet can help optimize health outcomes by preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.

Food security is met when people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. The four pillars of food security are: availability, access, utilization, and stability (FAO).