What do the terms Hungry and Food Security mean to you? What is the immediate feeling that is provoked when you hear these phrases? Well, they both deal with the idea of nourishment, but one has a more negative connotation. Food Security eludes to the idea that nutrition is secure, Hunger is cut and dry, nourishment is not provided. The USDA decided to change the wording in the 1980s. This change was not necessarily meant to cover up the ideas that people are malnourished but instead change how data is collected. The term food security is still misleading and paints a different picture of people that are suffering.
Thankfully several movements have taken place over time. Things like the Food Security Empowerment Act were put into play. This act aimed at bringing awareness of food-system problems.
“Endorsed by more than 125 organizations, the act defined community food service as all persons obtaining at all times a culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through local non-emergency sources.” (Allen, 2019)
In 1996 the national Community Food Security Coalition was established. It aimed to eliminate food insecurity. This act not only focused on hunger but also farmland loss, agricultural-based pollution, urban and rural community development, and transportation (Allen, 2019)
The issue of Food security is still a serious issue for many people in the US. Unfortunately, no matter how you label it, it’s still a problem. It’s still a human rights issue that needs to be solved.
Many people in america struggle with “Food Security”. This leads to inequality, which in turn perpetuates a larger conflict for society.
Allen, P. (2019). The Disappearance of Hunger in America. In 1039035070 795356243 C. Counihan, 1039035071 795356243 P. V. Esterik, & 1039035072 795356243 A. Julier (Authors), Food and culture: A reader (pp. 443-449). New York, NY: Routledge.
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