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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Since 2019, this Community Day program has raised more than $600,000 in donations to improve food security in local communities. Connie Ogle april 25, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 Yet the conflict in the region is sending shockwaves through the global food industry — from growers to packaging firms and distributors — with major implications for food security and living standards. Agnieszka De Sousa, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026 The World Bank flagged the speed at which commodity conditions can shift in its March 2026 food security update, and the evidence on the ground confirms it. Tenzin Seldon, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 The money will go to a 501c(3) organization in the new homeowner’s county that addresses housing needs, youth education or food security. Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 23 Apr. 2026 The grant funding is to support programs in several need areas, including food security, utility and financial aid, housing and homelessness prevention, mental health and substance use, transportation, senior support, and child and family support. Erin Yarnall, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026 The discoveries of such large bee colonies are welcome news amid ongoing efforts to protect the insects, which have a positive impact on the environment, biodiversity and food security, per the UN Environment Programme. Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 Avoiding the loss and fragmentation of agricultural land will also help keep agriculture — a mainstay of our state and local economies and essential for food security — economically viable in the decades to come. Tom Hoctor, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026 Today, the Foundation supports food security, nutrition and education in communities across the country. Matt Cortina, USA Today, 15 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2026.

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