Food Security means that all people at all times have physical & economic access to adequate amounts of nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate foods, which are produced in an environmentally sustainable and socially just manner, and that people are able to make informed decisions about their food choices.

Food Security also means that the people who produce our food are able to earn a decent, living wage growing, catching, producing, processing, transporting, retailing, and serving food.

At the core of food security is access to healthy food and optimal nutrition for all. Food access is closely linked to food supply, so food security is dependent on a healthy and sustainable food system.

The food system includes the production, processing, distribution, marketing, acquisition, and consumption of food.

These tips will help you reduce pesticide residues (as well as dirt and bacteria) on the food you eat:

• First, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to minimize the potential of increased exposure to a single pesticide.
• Thoroughly wash all produce, even that which is labeled organic and that which you plan to peel.
• Wash your produce under running water rather than soaking or dunking it.
• Dry produce with a clean cloth towel or paper towel when possible.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, like melons and root vegetables.
• Discard the outer layer of leafy vegetables, such as lettuce or cabbage.
• Peel fruits and vegetables when possible.
• Trim fat and skin from meat, poultry, and fish to minimize pesticide residue that may accumulate in the fat.

In addition, you may consider growing your own garden, or participating in a community garden! This will allow you to control which pesticides, if any, are used on the food you eat. You can choose Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options that allow you to control garden pests with the least possible hazard.

If growing your own food is not possible, another option is your local farmers market. This way, you can speak directly to the farmers about their pesticide use practices before buying their food.

Here are the top fruits and vegetables containing pesticide residues. If you have to choose only a few fruits and vegetables to buy organic, make sure these top 5 worst offenders are on your list.