In focus: Food insecurity in our communities
There is no single face of food insecurity, as it impacts every demographic, but it occurs most among the following populations: Seniors, children, African Americans, Latin and Rural communities. Food insecurity can affect our neighbors, our co-workers and our family members and friends. Many people with regular income are one layoff, tragedy or natural disaster away from needing food assistance.
Some facts about food insecurity:
- 1 in 8 Americans (more than 38 million people, including 12 million children) are classified as being food insecure.
- Residents are more at risk for food insecurity in neighborhoods where transportation options are limited, the travel distance to stores is greater and where there are fewer supermarkets.
- Food insecurity does not exist in isolation, as low-income families are affected by multiple, overlapping issues like lack of affordable housing, social isolation, economic/social disadvantages resulting from structural racism, chronic or acute health problems, high medical costs and low wages.