Food Insecurity Basics
Question: What is the term used when people cannot afford or access enough healthy food?
Food insecurity
Question: What two common mental health conditions are linked to food insecurity?
Answer: Anxiety and depression
Question: Why does the brain need proper nutrition to function well?
Answer: It needs fuel to think, remember, and focus
Question: What type of stress can improve confidence and decision-making?
Answer: Good stress
Question: What do parents often worry about when experiencing food insecurity?
Answer: Being able to feed their children
What condition is often confused with food insecurity but is actually a symptom of it?
Answer: Hunger
Question: How can food insecurity affect a student’s ability to perform in school?
Answer: It makes it harder to focus and concentrate
Question: Name one physical illness linked to food insecurity.
Answer: Diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or high blood pressure
Question: What type of stress happens when bad events occur, but support helps recovery?
Answer: Tolerable stress
Question: Why do families often buy cheaper, less healthy food options?
Answer: Because healthier food is more expensive
What level of food insecurity includes worry about food but little change in diet?
Answer: Marginal food insecurity
Question: What stress hormone increases when people worry about food and finances?
Answer: Cortisol
Question: How can chronic stress affect blood pressure?
Answer: It raises blood pressure
Question: What type of stress is harmful and can damage the brain and body over time?
Answer: Toxic stress
Question: What challenge do local food banks face as food insecurity increases?
Answer: Increased demand they cannot always meet
Question: What level of food insecurity involves reduced quality or variety of food?
Moderate food insecurity
Question: How might stress from food insecurity affect behavior toward others?
Answer: Increased irritability or aggression
Question: Which body system is affected when muscles stay tense for long periods?
Answer: The musculoskeletal system
Question: What is one unhealthy coping behavior people may use when stressed?
Answer: Overeating, smoking, drinking alcohol, or poor sleep
Question: What U.S. program helps families afford food?
Answer: SNAP
Question: What is the most severe level of food insecurity that includes disrupted eating patterns?
Answer: Severe food insecurity
Question: What serious mental health risk is linked to long-term food insecurity?
Answer: Suicidal thoughts
Question: Which body system can be affected by stress-related breathing problems?
Answer: The respiratory system
Question: What is one healthy activity that helps reduce stress?
Answer: Yoga, music, art, meditation, walking, or sports
Question: How can helping children recognize hunger and fullness improve their health?
Answer: It helps build a healthier relationship with food