The current official poverty measure was developed in the early 1960s and only a few minor changes have been implemented since it was first adopted in 1965. The poverty threshold represents the cost of a minimum food diet in 1963 multiplied by three to allow for expenditures on other goods and services. It is updated annually based on the consumer price index to account for inflation. Family resources are defined as before-tax money income.
The US Department of Agriculture defines food deserts as urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. Instead of supermarkets and grocery stores, these communities may have no food access or are served only by fast food restaurants and convenience stores that offer few healthy, affordable food options. The lack of access contributes to a poor diet and can lead to higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. For further information, see the USDA summary .
People who live in a household affected by food insecurity do not always know where they will find their next meal. By contrast, food security for a household means access by all members at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.
