Countries in this category are wealthy, can afford modern agricultural methods (such as machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yield crops), and trade for any food they can't grow. Starvation (not having enough food to survive) is extremely rare; however, obesity and malnutrition (missing important nutrients) from eating junk food are problems.

Countries in this category are not as wealthy and still have a large part of the population that only grows enough food for their families' needs. Starvation (not having enough food to survive) occurs especially among the poor or when natural disasters damage crops; however, most people have enough to eat.

Countries in this category have only enough food for immediate needs, with little spare food in case of emergencies. Starvation (not having enough food to survive) and malnutrition (missing important nutrients) are frequent particularly among children.

Countries in this category cannot buy or produce enough food to feed their people. They frequently need large amounts of food donated from other countries, charities, and international organizations. Malnutrition (missing important nutrients) is common, and starvation (not having enough food to survive) is frequent.