What is considered a characteristic of absolute poverty?

Absolute poverty is defined by a condition in which individuals or families cannot meet their basic physiological needs for survival. This includes having insufficient resources to secure essential items such as food, clean water, shelter, and basic healthcare. The characteristic of inability to meet basic food needs encapsulates this definition, as it directly pertains to the most fundamental requirement for human existence. In contrast, while income inequality and lack of education are significant social issues, they do not exclusively define absolute poverty. Similarly, limited governmental support programs might exacerbate the situation but are not sole indicators of absolute poverty. Therefore, the inability to meet basic food needs distinctly aligns with the concept of absolute poverty, making it the most accurate characteristic among the options provided.