Utilization (Nutrition and Health)

Food utilization is determined by food safety and quality, how much a person eats and how well a person converts food to energy, all of which affect proper biological use of food, nutritional status and growth. Adequate food utilization requires a diet providing sufficient energy and essential nutrients, clean water, adequate sanitation, access to health services and proper feeding practices and illness management.

Strategies to reduce food insecurity have been largely aimed at improving food availability, access and utilization among those who are food-insecure.