Terms You Should Know About Hunger

Hunger

A condition in which people do not get enough food to provide the nutrients for fully productive, active and healthy lives. People often forced to go without food because they can’t afford to buy it or can’t provide enough for everyone in the household.

Malnutrition

A condition that results from not getting enough nutrients or having too much of one or more nutrients that can impair mental and physical health, and cause or result from infectious disease.

Undernutrition

A condition resulting from not getting enough calories, protein or nutrients to meet the basic physical requirements for an active and healthy life.

Food Insecurity

The limited or uncertain availability of 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.

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, one of which delivers meals to homes or serve them 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.

Sources:
Bread for the World