What is food insecurity?
In 2018 Hungerandhealth.org reported that “1 in every 8 Americans suffered from food insecurity.”[1] When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, this number jumped to a staggering 1 in 6 Americans having to decide whether to eat or pay their bills.
So, what exactly is food insecurity? The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life”.[2]
Whereas hunger is the physical symptom arising from not enough food, the insecurity stems from the economic and social condition of limited access to the financial means necessary to provide for one’s family.
Who suffers from food insecurity?
Although this affliction has traditionally affected low-income families and demographics, recent events caused by the novel coronavirus have thrust middle-class Americans into this category as well.
Additionally, more children are suffering from hunger and its related illnesses since the pandemic began because of school closures. In the past, low-income families would rely on government-assisted subsidies in public schools such as the National Free Lunch and Reduced Cost breakfast programs to bridge the gap in what they could provide at home. Now, however, the uncertainty from day to day has forced many children to survive on a single meal, and often the food is not very nutritious.
What is being done to combat food insecurity?
In addition to the federal government making programs such as SNAP and WIC more readily available, governments at a local level are coming together with community members to help ease the burden on families.
Food banks are increasing in numbers as well as new concepts such as community fridges. (outdoor refrigerators where anyone can take or donate food)
How you can help:
Volunteering at a local food pantry is one way to determine what the greatest need in your community is and where your services can make the most impact. You could also organize or assist in a food drive for the pantry or raise money by reaching out to local businesses and farmers.
Another way you could help would be to create a petition and submit it to lawmakers. Pushing for change in policies and laws can be overwhelming but is the first step to achieving lasting results.
Resources for Assistance:
If you need help providing fresh food for you or your family here are some good resources to point you in the right direction:
The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs throughout the United States. Click here for more.
Find Mutual Aid Networks and other community self-support projects near you by following this link.
Local food banks and free food pantries are great places to turn to for assistance. The locations will pass out free food, groceries, personal hygiene supplies, and other forms of non-financial support. See the list here.
Sources:
[1] Understanding Food Insecurity.Feeding America.org.Available online at: https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/#_ftn2
[2] US Department of Agriculture, (2019). Definitions of Food Security. Available online at: https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-assistance/food-security-in-the-us/definitions-of-food-security.aspx
