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
Elyse Miller… the percentage of households with very low food security jumped to 5.7 percent last year …—Tony Pugh
Tony PughExamples of food security in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Because modern food production relies heavily on diesel-intensive harvest cycles, a massive increase in fertilizer costs will transform this energy shortage into a global food security emergency.
—Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
As the strait’s closure causes chaos worldwide, aid agencies in Africa warned that rising costs and supply chain disruption threaten food security in vulnerable nations on the continent.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Founded in 2012, the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative (MRCTI) brings together local governments along the river corridor to coordinate priorities including clean water, economic stability, disaster resilience and food security.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
Medical debt can have debilitating consequences, impacting housing stability, food security and the ability to seek future care when symptoms return.
—Linda D. Gadd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Participants have seen a 29% decrease in postpartum depression rates, a 226% increase in food security, and a 74% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
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
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Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026
As the strait’s closure causes chaos worldwide, aid agencies in Africa warned that rising costs and supply chain disruption threaten food security in vulnerable nations on the continent.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026
Founded in 2012, the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative (MRCTI) brings together local governments along the river corridor to coordinate priorities including clean water, economic stability, disaster resilience and food security.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
Medical debt can have debilitating consequences, impacting housing stability, food security and the ability to seek future care when symptoms return.
—Linda D. Gadd, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Participants have seen a 29% decrease in postpartum depression rates, a 226% increase in food security, and a 74% increase in fruit and vegetable consumption.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Food security.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/food%20security. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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