Food is any substance that people eat and drink to maintain life and growth. Food security denotes a person's ability to eat enough, stay active and lead a healthy life. Food security depends not only on the quantity of food available but also on people's ability to purchase/access food and to live in a healthy environment.
1. Food Security and Nutrition Security – Definitions
- FAO (2009): "Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food which meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life."
- Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (eminent agricultural scientist) – nutrition security is "physical, economic and social access to a balanced diet, safe drinking water, environmental hygiene, primary health care and primary education".
2. Three Basic Components of Food and Nutrition Security
| Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Availability | Physical availability of food stocks in desired quantities – a function of domestic production, changes in stocks and imports |
| Access | Primarily a matter of purchasing power, linked to capabilities and employment opportunities, which depend on access to assets and education |
| Absorption | The ability to biologically utilise the food consumed |