Since economic status, access, and other factors are somewhat subjective and/or not well defined, the broader terminology of food security can be made specific to suggest specific types and cases of food security occurring across the diverse backdrop of America.
In recent years, the USDA has taken to using four labels to depict the ranges of food security: high food security, marginal food security, low food security, and very low food security (2).
food security:
High Food Security: no reported problems limiting access to food
Marginal Food Security: few (1-2) reported problems relating to food shortage, but no indicative changes in diet
food insecurity:
Low Food Security: reduced quality and variety of diet, but no indicative changes or reductions in food intake
Very Low Food Security: several reports of disruptions in eating patterns and decreased consumption
