What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity refers to the state in which individuals or households experience inconsistent access to sufficient food due to various factors such as economic limitations, lack of resources, or situational circumstances. This concept embodies a broader understanding of food access, encompassing not only the economic ability to procure food but also the stability of that access over time.

In this context, inconsistent access highlights that food insecurity can fluctuate due to changes in income, job stability, or even food availability in the community. It is crucial to recognize that food insecurity does not merely imply a lack of food; it specifically addresses the reliability and sufficiency of food access.

The other options do not encapsulate the full scope of food insecurity. Lack of food variety addresses a different aspect of nutrition, focusing on dietary quality rather than access. Overproduction of food and high food prices pertain to food supply issues and economic factors, which may contribute to food insecurity but do not define it in themselves.