This paper presents a review of individual and household level determinants of food and nutrition security and of the related policies. In our conceptual framework food availability, access and utilization determine the food and nutrition status of an individual or household. Availability refers to the extent to which food is within reach, both in terms of quantity and quality, and is largely determined by food supply. Though a necessary condition, food availability does not guarantee food access, for which households must have sufficient resources to acquire appropriate foods. Finally, even if sufficient and nutritious food is both available and accessible to the household, intra-household distribution of food, dietary preferences and individual health status will determine food utilization or a person’s actual dietary intake and the ability to absorb nutrients.