Hunger vs. Food Insecurity: What's the Difference?

September is Hunger Action Month. This is a time to help shed light on an issue that touches millions of people across the nation and even within our own local communities. Every week this month we will be posting about the problem of hunger. However, to solve any problem, it is important to understand why the problem exists. First, let’s define what hunger is and how it differs from food insecurity.

Hunger vs. Food Insecurity

Oftentimes these terms are used interchangeably, however, when given a closer look they are two very distinct experiences: 

• Hunger is the physical sensation. This is the grumbling of your stomach or the uncomfortable, and even painful, sensation caused by a lack of food. This is your body's way of telling you that it needs nourishment. 

• In comparison, food insecurity is an economic and social condition. It is defined by the USDA as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active healthy life.

  
  

In other words, hunger is the physical feeling, while food insecurity is the underlying systemic and financial challenge that causes it. 

Why does making the distinction matter? Oftentimes when a family or person is experiencing food insecurity, it doesn’t mean they are going days without eating. Rather it often means making impossible trade-offs:

• Choosing between paying the heating bill or buying groceries

• Skipping meals so their children have enough to eat

• Relying on low-cost, calorie-dense foods that lack essential nutrients, because nutritious options are out of budget

Now that we have a better understanding of food insecurity, we can look beyond immediate relief and consider the root causes of food insecurity. Addressing the root causes will allow us to build long-term stability for our neighbors.