Hunger vs food insecurity: What’s the difference?

November 13, 2024

Food insecurity can lead to hunger.

Food insecurity refers to household economic and social conditions that limit or leave uncertain a person’s access to adequate food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

On the other hand, “Hunger is an individual-level physiological condition that may result from food insecurity,” according to the USDA.

In practical terms, food insecurity is reflected in the groceries one can afford.

“Food insecurity isn’t that you’re starving,” said Leslie Garman, of the Des Moines Area Religious Council, known as DMARC. It means a person might choose to eat something cheaper even if it’s less healthy, or skip meals.

“Food insecurity is when I decide to skip lunch every day so my little brother has food. That’s food insecurity and people don’t think of it that way,” she said.

^{The Map the Meal Gap annual study by Feeding America offers a comprehensive view of how food insecurity varies across the United States at a local level. Above are the food insecurity rates comparing September 2023 to May 2024 in the Diocese of Des Moines. Statewide, last year’s food insecurity rate was 1 in 13 Iowans. Now, it’s 1 in 9.}

The Catholic Church sees hunger and food insecurity as part of its pro-life teaching.

Catholic Social Teaching says: “Every person has a right to life and to the material and spiritual support required to live a truly human existence,” according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. “The right to a truly human life logically leads to the right to enough food to sustain a life with dignity. The poverty and hunger that diminishes the lives of millions in our own land and in so many other countries are fundamental threats to human life and dignity and demand a response from believers.”