Need Food?      Order Online

Resources & Education

Learn More About Food Insecurity

What is Food Insecurity?

Food security, as defined by the United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security, means that all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.

Food insecurity is defined as the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources.

Food insecurity does not necessarily cause hunger, but hunger is a possible outcome of food insecurity.

Discussion

Suggestions for questions to ask group:

  • What does it feel like to be hungry?
  • What would you do if you couldn’t eat for a whole day?
  • What things might be harder to do while hungry?
  • Think about making a nutritious meal – what do you need?

(i.e. $ to buy food / source of income, access to markets that are open when you are not working / can shop, transportation & gas to get to market, refrigeration / freezer, working stove, utilities / gas / electricity, ability to leave home – what if sick / injured / caregiver?)

Not having any of these things can make it harder to get nutritious food and can cause food insecurity. 

Consider an exercise that involves the kids / teens budgeting for a nutritious meal for four. If you had limited money to spend, how would you get the food, where would you go, how would you get there and what would you purchase?

Helpful Links