Food security means having enough food and not having to choose between food and other basic needs. About 1 out of every 7 households in the U.S. experienced low food security in 2024.* The COVID-19 pandemic and other world events have increased awareness of how food insecurity impacts under-resourced communities and how many households at once can be pushed into food insecurity.

Nutrition security builds beyond getting enough food to beat hunger. It means that a household is able to afford and access healthy food consistently and put that food to best use — not only what to eat, but where to find it and how to prepare it.

The American Heart Association believes in the right to healthy food for all people to live their best lives. Nutrition security is our priority.

Poor nutrition security can lead to poor health.

When people struggle with making their food dollar stretch far enough, they may have to sacrifice quality or variety, even if they don’t have to skip meals, to make ends meet.

The results can be devastating, with increased risk of:

• Obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer
• Trouble in school for children and teens
• Increased stress and poor mental health

Keep reading to learn how to bring affordable, nutritious foods to your table even when dollars are tight, how to help others who are struggling; and learn more about the American Heart Association’s efforts to improve nutrition security in the U.S.