The presence of sufficient quantities of a variety of foods in a given region or community, and a key component of food security; promotes stable and reliable access to food resources, and ensures that individuals have consistent access to culturally appropriate food options; factors that affect include agricultural production, distribution systems, and overall food infrastructure.

A lack of availability, access, utilization, and stability of food resources; Condition where individuals or households lack consistent access to sufficient, nutritious food to support a healthy diet and lifestyle; encompasses both “low food security” and “very low food security” as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), both of which highlight the continuum of challenges people face to access food resources and also emphasize the multifaceted nature of food security issues.

The inadequate availability of food to meet the dietary needs of individuals or communities; reflects a lack of access to a sufficient quantity of nutritious and culturally appropriate food, and can lead to malnutrition, hunger, or other adverse health outcomes; addressing food insufficiency involves interventions to ensure equitable access to nutritious food, tackle poverty, and enhance food security.

Strategies to improve the ability of a food system to withstand and recover from shocks or disruptions (e.g., environmental changes, economic challenges, pandemics); strategies to improve often include diversifying agricultural practices, improving supply chain flexibility, promoting sustainable farming, and fostering community engagement.