Key Hunger Terms
Hunger – A condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the nutrients for fully productive, active and healthy lives. People living in households where there is hunger are often forced to go without food because they cannot afford to buy it or cannot provide enough for everyone in the household.
Malnutrition – A condition resulting from inadequate consumption (undernutrition) or excessive consumption of one or more nutrients that can impair mental and physical health, and cause or be the consequence of infectious disease.
Undernutrition – A condition resulting from inadequate consumption of calories, protein and/or nutrients to meet the basic physical requirements for an active and healthy life.
Food Insecurity – The limited or uncertain availability or ability to acquire safe, nutritious food in a socially acceptable way. People living in households that are food insecure do not always know how to provide for their next meal and are often forced to cut back on meals or food portions to stretch resources.
Food Security – Assured access to enough nutritious food to sustain an active and healthy life, including: food availability (adequate food supply); food access (people can get to food); and appropriate food use (the body’s absorption of essential nutrients).
Child Nutrition Programs - Five federal programs developed to ensure that children have access to enough nutritious food to grow and learn. The programs include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Summer Food Service Program.
Elderly Nutrition Programs - Federal programs that provide health services and nutritious food to low-income senior citizens including meals delivered to homes or served at church.
Emergency Food - Services provided to people who have no other source of food. Often community-based organizations provide food boxes or hot meals on a periodic basis. Many services use donated food and surplus commodities purchased and distributed by the federal government.
