What does food insecurity refer to?

Food insecurity refers to the lack of reliable access to sufficient nutritious food, which encompasses a range of issues related to food availability, affordability, and accessibility. Individuals or families experiencing food insecurity may face uncertain and insufficient food supply, leading to difficulties in providing enough food for themselves and their families. This situation can arise from economic factors, such as low income or unexpected expenses, that prevent people from obtaining the total amount of food they need for a healthy diet.

Contrastingly, access to luxury food items implies an abundance of food choices that are more affluent and exclusive but does not pertain to the challenges faced by those experiencing food insecurity. Healthy eating habits are central to addressing nutrition but do not define the concept of food insecurity itself. Lastly, a surplus of food options implies that there is more than enough food available, which directly contradicts the idea of food insecurity where there is insufficient access to adequate food. Thus, the definition aligns directly with option C, highlighting a critical issue affecting many individuals and communities.