What is food insecurity?

• A. The abundance of easy access to nutritious food.
• B. Having a reliable source of healthy meals.
• C. The lack of reliable access to sufficient nutritious food.
• D. Having excess food supplies available.

Answer: (C)

Food insecurity refers to a situation where individuals or families do not have reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable and nutritious food. This lack of access can lead to significant health problems, as it may result in poor nutrition, hunger, and increased stress and anxiety about food availability.

Understanding food insecurity is crucial as it encompasses various aspects, including economic instability, limited mobility, and social inequities that contribute to challenges in accessing nutritious options. It is important to differentiate food insecurity from concepts like food abundance or reliable access to healthy meals, which are characterized by sufficient availability and access to nutritious food sources. Addressing food insecurity involves understanding these complexities and advocating for systems that ensure everyone has the opportunity to obtain the food they need for a healthy life.