a situation that exists when people lack secure access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development of an active and healthy life. It may be caused by the unavailability of food, insufficient purchasing power, inappropriate distribution, or inadequate use of food at the household level. Food insecurity, poor conditions of health and sanitation, and inappropriate care and feeding practices are the major causes of poor nutritional status. Food insecurity may be either chronic, seasonal or transitory.

The state of having uncertain or limited availability of food. While households considered food insecure are not always hungry, they may be forced to reduce the quality, desirability, or variety of their diets on a regular basis.

The limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods, including involuntarily cutting back on meals, food portions or not knowing the source of the next meal.