Correct Answer: allotted

Solution : The second option is the correct answer.

"Allotted" means assigned or distributed for a specific purpose, making it the most appropriate word in the given context. The sentence indicates that there is a fund allocated or distributed for the purchase of food, and this allocation is not sufficient for the next week.

The meanings of other options are as follows:

• Asserted means stated or declared forcefully.
• Alerted means warned or notified.
• Abandoned means left without intending to return; deserted.

Therefore, the complete sentence is: They knew that the stock of the food was getting reduced, and the fund allotted for that was not enough for the next week.