What is food security?

Food security is fundamentally defined as the availability and access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets the dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. This definition encompasses several critical dimensions: ensuring that food is physically available (supply), economically accessible (affordability), and socially acceptable (culturally appropriate food choices).

This concept also emphasizes not just the quantity of food available but the quality, which is vital for maintaining health and well-being. Under food security, individuals should have reliable access to quality food that contributes to a diverse and balanced diet, leading to positive nutritional outcomes.

In contrast, while other options may touch on relevant aspects of the food system, they do not capture the holistic understanding of food security. For instance, focusing solely on food production, the total amount produced by a country, or regulating food prices overlooks the essential elements of access and nutrition that are vital for achieving true food security.