Hunger & Food Insecurity

In short, food security means having access at all times for all household members to enough food for an active, healthy life. 

Levels of Food Security

The U.S. Department of Agriculture uses the following categories of food security:

• High Food Security: no reported indications of food-access problems or limitations.
• Marginal food security: one or two reported indications – typically anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage.  Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake
• Low food security: reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet.  Little or no indication of reduced food intake.
• Very low food security: Reports of multiple indications of disturbed eating patterns and reduced food intake. 

Hunger

When we use the term "hunger" we are referring to individuals struggling with Food security.  This refers to the USDA's low, and very low food security classifications.  Hunger can be a more relatable, understandable way to refer to experiencing food insecurity.