Food security exists when all people have consistent physical and economic access to nutritious food that meets their daily needs and supports a healthy life. There are four core factors of food security: availability, access, use, and stability. Availability refers to the physical supply of food and can be impacted by several factors such as food costs and access to transportation. Access is an individual’s economic and physical ability to obtain food, while utilization refers to the ability to safely prepare and consume nutritious food. Stability reflects the consistency of the other three core factors over time, ensuring that food remains available, accessible, and usable.​

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​Several factors influence food security in Massachusetts, including the state’s high cost of living, which is among the highest in the nation. Based on the Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings, 10% of Berkshire County residents experience food insecurity, a ranking higher than both Massachusetts and the U.S. In South County, food security is further affected by economic and geographic challenges. High housing and living costs, limited public transportation, and the long travel distances common in this rural region can make it difficult for residents to consistently access affordable, healthy food. The reports outlined here provide further insight into food security and access in Massachusetts and Berkshire County.