Although starvation in the U.S. is rare, poverty forces many to rely on emergency food sources or to consume a monotonous or unbalanced diet in order to get by on a daily basis.  As such, unexpected medical bills, a divorce, or an expensive car repair can mean the difference between food security or food insecurity.

Food security is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having access to enough food for an active, healthy life.  In 2003 it was estimated that 11% of all US households, approximately 12. 6 million people, were food insecure.  In Michigan, the latest estimates indicate that approximately 10% of  all households are food insecure.  Three percent (3%) are severely food insecure, citing multiple instances in which they must reduce their food intake or disrupt normal eating patterns as a result of inadequate food resources.

Definitions of food security differ.  Most acknowledge that food security should include more than just sufficient amounts of food.  Rather, food security should also include access to socially and culturally-acceptable foods that are both healthy and affordable.   The Mott Group concurs with this view.  Counting calories or providing emergency food to people only partly addresses the food security problem.  It is also important to consider the availability, acceptability, and reliability of food sources over time.  

Sustainable food systems are inherently related to food security.  Reliable access to food requires that food is produced in ways that do not jeopardize the long-term quality of the environment.  In addition, a sustainable food system is one that promotes equity and justice among community members.  Food security is therefore an essential component to a sustainable food system. 

For More Information:

On the web:

USDA Food Security Briefing Room

USDA FNS Food Security Resources

Community Food Security Coalition

FAO Special Program for Food Security

The Food Security Network