food insecurity

noun

plural food insecurities
: the fact or an instance of being unable to consistently access or afford adequate food
The USDA defines food insecurity as a household's inability to provide enough food for each person to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Food insecurity can also occur when there is an abundance of processed, pre-packaged, calorie-dense foods, because these foods do not contain adequate nutrition.The Northeast Mississippi (Tupelo) Daily Journal
The federal government often allocates funds to help citizens facing food insecurity and other socio-economic hardships …Yssis Cano-Santiago
This past year has laid bare concerns about food insecurities in this country. The pandemic has led to shortages in the grocery store on essential items like toilet paper and meat.Amanda Radke

Examples of food insecurity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The cases suggest doctors should be on the lookout for this historic illness, particularly among patients experiencing poverty, food insecurity and social isolation. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 After the Chargers used Bozeman’s viral moment of vigilante justice to share information about the Bradley and Nikki Bozeman Foundation on social media, more than 150 fans donated to the charity’s efforts to address food insecurity and combat bullying. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 The bills will significantly limit its ability to continue that work at a time when than 1.8 million people across Gaza are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, according to the agency. Barak Ravid, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024 His contribution helped local organizations provide meals to senior citizens affected by food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Giana Levy, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for food insecurity 

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of food insecurity was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near food insecurity

Cite this Entry

“Food insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20insecurity. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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