sustenance

Noun

• the act of sustaining life by food or providing a means of subsistence
  • they were in want of sustenance
    
  • fishing was their main sustainment
    

• the financial means whereby one lives
  • each child was expected to pay for their keep
    
  • he applied to the state for support
    
  • he could no longer earn his own livelihood
    

• a source of materials to nourish the body

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  sustentation , sustainment , maintenance , upkeep , support , keep , livelihood , living , bread and butter , nutriment , nourishment , nutrition , aliment , alimentation , victuals