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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Its funding supported farmer training, climate resilience, biodiversity protection, water infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and broader efforts to strengthen food security and livelihoods across the region. Daphne Ewing-Chow, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 The one major exception is agriculture — and that policy has historical roots dating back to World War II, when the Swiss learned the hard way that food security matters for small countries surrounded by hostile powers. Richard W. Rahn, Fortune, 27 May 2026 Adebayo was cited by the league for his commitment to educational equity, food security and youth development in underserved communities across South Florida and North Carolina. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 May 2026 The East African nation was already facing one of its worst food security crises in years. Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 17 May 2026 Though conditions are more acute in Myanmar due to the civil war, experts warn the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz could also dent rice production across the region – with potentially huge shocks for food security. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026 State leaders must ensure that those benefiting most from federal tax cuts pay their fair share to protect local healthcare, food security and essential services. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026 By recognizing this unseen harvest as a significant food source, policymakers can recognize that changes in recreational fishing opportunities don’t just affect anglers’ enjoyment, but also millions of households’ food security. Matthew Robertson, The Conversation, 6 May 2026 Programs that support global health, food security and disaster relief help to prevent and de-escalate crises while also advancing American interests by strengthening our international alliances. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 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 6 Jun. 2026.

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