What does 'food insecurity' mean?

Food insecurity refers to a situation where individuals or families lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. This condition is characterized not simply by the absence of food, but by the uncertainty of being able to obtain sufficient quantities and quality of food regularly. Food insecurity can be influenced by various factors, including socio-economic status, availability of resources, and geographical location.

In contrast, while high-calorie foods and food deserts relate to broader food access and nutrition issues, they do not directly define food insecurity itself. High-calorie food availability may still occur in areas with food insecurity, yet those foods may not provide the necessary nutrients. Food deserts refer to areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, which can contribute to food insecurity but is a specific geographical issue rather than a definition. Supermarket access is also related but does not encompass the finer details of food insecurity, which focuses on the overall lack of access to adequate food instead of merely the presence of stores.