food insecurity

American  

[food in-si-kyoor-i-tee] / ˈfud ɪn sɪˈkyʊər ɪ ti /

noun

1. an economic and social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food.

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Other Word Forms

• food insecure food-insecure adjective

Etymology

Origin of food insecurity

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Colleen Heflin, a professor at Syracuse University who studies food insecurity, said larger state drops like Arizona’s were “beyond anything we’ve ever seen.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Stier, director of children’s services and an “I Love My Librarian Award” honoree, launched the Activating Community Voices program, which joins stakeholders together to address issues including food insecurity, homelessness and early childhood development.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

She’s done extensive research showing that food insecurity is strongly associated with major maternal depressive symptoms; she points to research focused on the association between food insecurity and suicidal ideation and attempts in teenagers.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

"Low-income countries are especially at risk of food insecurity; some may need more external support -- even as such assistance has been declining," the report said.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Some decried their use as a way for biochemical companies to make money; others declared that GMOs would save the world from famine and food insecurity.

From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste