| This paper examines the capability of different food environments to achieve food and nutrition security in selected areas in the Northern Philippines. A total of 180 households, 60 each from coastal, urban, and upland areas were personally interviewed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FAO 2013) survey questionnaire. Health records of children aged 0–59 months old were obtained from the barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) and barangay health workers (BHW). Key findings include: (1) food and nutrition security conditions vary across communities with urban areas having the most severely food insecure; (2) food insecurity does not always correlate with malnutrition, suggesting inconsistencies in malnutrition reporting and assessment systems on the ground; (3) economic accessibility is more problematic than physical availability among urban households; (4) households are not entirely compliant to the recommended nutritional guidelines, of the Pinggang Pinoy meal model with protein-rich foods more favored; and (5) food environments and household income are the strongest predictors of food security, underscoring the need for policies that enhance both food availability and affordability. The study calls for a multisectoral approach, policy reforms, localized interventions, and public education that should be based on community needs that are specific to a certain food environment. |