Using two decades of longitudinal data (2002-2023) from the Young Lives study in Ethiopia, India, and Peru, the authors analyse how the timing of shocks - such as weather events, conflict, COVID-19, bereavement and economic hardship - influences current household food security. Their findings consistently demonstrate a significant association between recent shock exposure and food insecurity in 2023 across the three countries. Crucially, in Ethiopia, exposure to shocks dating back more than a decade, as well as shocks that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflict in 2020-21, are significantly associated with current food insecurity. Weather-related events, illness or death of a family member and loss of income or purchasing power all correlate with increased food insecurity, even after taking into account that the shocks may be connected. Overall, their findings emphasise the importance of social assistance following exposure to shocks and the need to take a life-long perspective when formulating policy responses to mitigate persistent food insecurity.