Chapter 3: The Food Supply

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 3: The Food Supply, including food security vs. insecurity (U.S.), USDA programs, global hunger and nutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, nutrition transition, and famine consequences.

What does the USDA define as food security?

Consistent access to enough food.

Food insecurity in the U.S. is linked to what type of diets?

Poor diets and fewer nutrient-dense foods; linked to obesity due to cheap, high-calorie foods.

Name the four levels of food security monitored by the USDA.

High, Marginal, Low, Very Low.

What percentage of Americans use at least one USDA food security program?

About 25% (one in four).

Name three USDA programs that promote food security.

SNAP, WIC, National School Lunch Program (also School Breakfast, Child & Adult Care Food Program, senior programs, CSFP).

What terms describe charitable U.S. food assistance programs?

Food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, shelters.

What is Feeding America and its 2021 reach?

The largest U.S. food-bank network; about 6.6 billion meals provided in 2021.

How many Americans receive food assistance annually?

About 1 in 5 Americans.

How many kcal per person per day does global agriculture produce?

Approximately 2940 kcal.

How many people were affected by global hunger in 2021?

About 828 million.

What does 'hidden hunger' mean?

Micronutrient deficiencies affecting about 2 billion people.

Which micronutrients are commonly deficient?

Vitamin A, iodine, zinc, iron, and folate.

What share of the world's disease burden is due to malnutrition and hunger?

Over half.

What is the global issue of overnutrition?

About 2 billion people are overweight or obese worldwide.

What is nutrition transition?

Rising income leads to more meat, dairy, sugar, fat, and alcohol; fewer whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

What is the 'spiral' connecting poverty, malnutrition, and disease?

A self-reinforcing cycle: poverty → malnutrition → disease → more poverty.

What are the health consequences of low energy intake?

↓ activity, slowed growth, wasting, weak immunity, ↑ disease, ↑ death.

What are 'food deserts'?

Areas lacking access to affordable, healthy foods.

What percent of Americans live below the poverty line for a family of four?

13% (about $27,740 for a family of 4).

What does CSFP stand for?

Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

Name two consequences of famine in developing regions.

Increased disease and death (also poverty, crime, job loss, civil unrest, government corruption).

What is the recommended solution for famine in developing regions?

Economic development to reduce poverty and improve agriculture → more food, healthier diets, better incomes.

What health risks are associated with food insecurity in children?

Higher risk of asthma, headaches, stomachaches; growth issues; school behavior problems; lower achievement; more depression and psychological distress.