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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Mi Casita Pantry is a free food pantry for individuals and families dealing with food insecurity. Alyssa Huglen, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Former President increased the amount paid to recipients of SNAP benefits by 21 percent to help poorer families with rising food costs, food insecurity, and healthier eating. Shane Croucher, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 On the other hand, studies show SNAP has widespread benefits for low-income households — notably, less food insecurity and better long-term health outcomes — as well as community-level benefits like less theft. Matthew Yglesias, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 United Health Foundation ranked it No. 38 for senior health in its 2024 Senior Report, noting that the state has slightly higher rates of seniors living in poverty and struggling with food insecurity than the country as a whole. Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Food insecurity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20insecurity. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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