sus·te·nance 
(s
ŭs
t
ə-n
əns)
n.1. The supporting of life or health; maintenance or means of livelihood: The factory provides sustenance for half the town.
2. Something, especially food, that sustains life or health: looking for sustenance in the kitchen.
3. Something that sustains something else; essential support: researchers seeking financial sustenance.
[Middle English, from Old French, from sustenir, to sustain; see SUSTAIN.]