food security

noun

: the fact or an instance of being able to consistently access or afford adequate food
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines "food security" as access at all times by all people within a household to enough food for an active, healthy life. "Food insecurity," on the other hand, occurs when a household's consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year.Elyse Miller
… the percentage of households with very low food security jumped to 5.7 percent last year …Tony Pugh

Examples of food security in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In addition, wartime food security concerns could spark some countries to stock up on staples like wheat. Hallie Gu, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026 As food supply has deteriorated and food security and deserts have increased, Statner explains that people are less inclined to cook at home and are looking for easy ways to stay healthy. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026 Guyana and Saint Kitts and Nevis are discussing cooperation on food security, technology exchanges and workforce training, Ali said. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2026 The board decided last year that 80% of the money would be allocated specifically to homeless services, while the other 20% would be for other social services such as food security and health care. Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026 The United Nations and the Somali government warned that substantial funding cuts have forced humanitarian partners to decrease or suspend critical lifesaving programs, including food security, health, nutrition and water and sanitation projects. ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026 Efficiently developing mineral sites is necessary for Africa’s own industrialization, infrastructure expansion, food security, and energy systems, AFC argued. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026 Social scientists in the food security space say the stricter requirements will cause greater food insecurity, take money out of neighborhoods, and force state governments to figure out how to bear the costs while keeping their own budgets trimmed. Annemarie Dooling, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Feb. 2026 But the bill’s advancement was not cause for celebration among the food security advocates who have been calling for state funds to cover the cost of school meal copays for years. Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of food security was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Food security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20security. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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