Answer: Famine
In the early 14th century, Europe experienced a series of famines, sometimes referred to as the Great Famine. Heavy rains in the spring of 1315 were partly responsible, along with cool temperatures. This did not allow the grain to ripen, which led to crop failures. It also meant that straw and hay could not be cured for animals, and that salt was not available because brine could not evaporate (salt was important for the preservation of food). Moreover, the population had increased very quickly prior to 1300, so there was extra pressure on the limited resources.
