A situation that exists when people lack secure access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life. It may be caused by the unavailability of food, insufficient purchasing power, inappropriate distribution, or inadequate use of food at the household level. Food insecurity, poor conditions of health and sanitation, and inappropriate care and feeding practices are the major causes of poor nutritional status. Food insecurity may be chronic, seasonal or transitory.
and
The presence of factors that place people at risk of becoming food insecure or malnourished, including those factors that affect their ability to cope.
, and to respond to their root causes through improved policy and programme formulation, targeting, implementation and monitoring of interventions at local, national regional and global levels.