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

Now, the conflict in the Middle East has worsened food security for millions of people living in poverty, especially children. — ABC News, 19 July 2026

Twenty-three states had a filed a lawsuit last year accusing the administration of using the clause to make cuts to everything from crime prevention to food security to scientific research. — Michael Casey, Fortune, 19 July 2026

Their foundations focus on addressing a range of issues including early childhood education, food security, and health and economic programs for women and children. — Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 15 July 2026

Google and Cypress Creek are creating an $8 million fund to support local schools, food security programs and community initiatives in Mississippi County, according to a news release. — Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for food security

• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• biosecurity
• cybersecurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• purity
• surety