1. Identifying the Topic and Scope:
   • Focus: Understanding food insecurity, its causes, affected communities, and potential solutions.
   • Scope: Global perspective with specific emphasis on the United States.
2. Formulating Research Questions:
   • What is food insecurity and how is it measured?
   • Which communities are most affected by food insecurity?
   • What are the primary causes of food insecurity?
   • What are the health and social impacts of food insecurity?
   • What solutions or interventions are effective in addressing food insecurity?
3. Gathering Sources:
   • Sources Used:
     • United Nations reports and publications
     • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports
4. Reviewing Literature:
   • Key Themes: Definitions and measurements of food insecurity, demographic disparities, causes and consequences, and interventions.
5. Analyzing Data:
   • Compiling statistics and findings from credible sources.
   • Identifying patterns and significant insights.
   • Integrating findings to form a comprehensive understanding.
   • Comparing different perspectives and data points.

Source 1: United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – “The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021”

• Insight: The FAO report provides a global overview of food insecurity, noting an increase in the number of undernourished people due to factors such as conflict, economic downturns, and climate change. In 2020, approximately 811 million people were chronically undernourished, highlighting the urgent need for global interventions.
• Learnings:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated food insecurity worldwide.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are the regions most affected by food insecurity.
  • The importance of addressing the root causes, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, to achieve long-term food security.

Source 2: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – “Household Food Security in the United States in 2020”

• Insight: The USDA report outlines the state of food insecurity in the United States, revealing that 10.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity at some point during the year. The report also highlights demographic disparities, showing that food insecurity disproportionately affects low-income households, Black and Hispanic communities, and households with children.
• Learnings:
  • Food insecurity rates in the U.S. are influenced by economic factors such as unemployment and low wages.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in food insecurity rates.
  • Federal assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and school meal programs are crucial in mitigating food insecurity but need to be expanded and strengthened to meet increasing demand.