Sustainable food consumption is crucial for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Progress towards these goals has been slow, highlighting the need for policy interventions. While much research focuses on unhealthy food overconsumption, this study addresses a gap in understanding sustainable food consumption in urban areas, considering both over- and underconsumption. The research uses Brisbane, Australia, as a case study to analyze public perceptions and identify challenges and opportunities for improving sustainable food consumption within a complex socio-spatial context. The study aims to contribute by providing a more comprehensive framework for understanding sustainable food consumption and providing policy implications based on empirical data.

Existing literature and policies predominantly focus on obesity reduction and promoting healthy diets, neglecting the broader aspects of sustainable food consumption in urban environments. Studies often overlook the socioeconomic and environmental challenges embedded in urban forms that influence food consumption patterns. This research addresses this gap by examining the interplay between food consumption, urban characteristics, and sustainability, emphasizing the need for a two-pronged approach addressing both overconsumption in wealthy nations and underconsumption in developing countries. The existing literature lacks a holistic understanding of sustainable food consumption, considering both overconsumption of unhealthy food and underconsumption of healthy food, and their relationship with socio-spatial urban factors. This study seeks to fill this gap.

The study employed a mixed-methods approach, using Brisbane, Australia, as a case study. Data collection involved 500 online surveys designed to explore public perceptions of food consumption, focusing on affordability, access to healthy food, variety of retail options, and carbon footprint. The survey utilized a Likert scale and yes/no questions to gather detailed responses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis (Pearson chi-square test) using Microsoft Excel and SPSS to identify associations between variables. The sample included a diverse representation of demographic factors such as age, gender, cultural background, religion, employment, income, and household structure. Data screening and filtering steps were used to ensure data quality.

The study revealed a "double-helix" of overconsumption and underconsumption of food in Brisbane. Key findings are: * **Affordability:** While 90% of respondents perceived adequate supply of healthy food, only 48.6% found it affordable. Confidence in affordability for culturally relevant foods was even lower (42.3%). 42% spent over one-third of their household income on food, indicating food insecurity for many. * **Access to Healthy Food:** 66.6% of respondents relied on driving for food shopping, with 63% driving for more than five minutes, indicating issues related to urban sprawl and limited accessibility. 51% were unaware of food charity services, highlighting unequal access. * **Food Retail Options:** Supermarkets dominated food shopping (78%), reflecting limited retail diversity. Despite this, there was strong public support (68.8%) for more small-scale food retailers. * **Carbon Footprint:** 71% acknowledged food waste and loss's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Support for improved food waste management infrastructure and more environmentally friendly practices by food companies was high.

The findings highlight the inadequacy of traditional policies focusing solely on unhealthy food overconsumption. The study demonstrates that sustainable food consumption is conditional on socio-spatial factors, particularly in low-density urban environments. Challenges in affordability, access, retail diversity, and carbon footprint create a complex interplay influencing both overconsumption of unhealthy food and underconsumption of healthy food. The high public awareness of issues related to food sustainability presents an opportunity for positive change. This opportunity is reinforced by the strong public desire for increased retail diversity and improved food waste management. The research suggests that urban planning plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable food consumption patterns.

This study reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing sustainable food consumption in Brisbane. The "double-helix" of over- and underconsumption emphasizes the need for policies addressing both aspects. Creating food-accessible and diverse urban environments is crucial for achieving sustainable food consumption. Further research could explore specific policy interventions tailored to address the identified challenges, focusing on supporting small-scale retailers and improving urban infrastructure to enhance access to affordable and healthy food options. These findings are relevant beyond Brisbane and could inform sustainable food policies globally.

The study's reliance on self-reported data from online surveys might introduce biases. The generalizability of findings might be limited to similar urban contexts in developed countries. Further research using mixed methods approaches, including qualitative data collection and longitudinal studies, could help to validate the current findings and deepen the understanding of the issue.