Feed More’s Post

Did you know that 117,120 (1 in 6) children are food insecure in the 26 counties served by the St. Louis Area Foodbank. That is equivalent to the total number of students in the following districts: St. Louis Public Schools, Rockwood, Wentzville, Francis Howell, Fort Zumwalt, Parkway, Edwardsville, and Collinsville, combined. Think about that - as we get ready to have our children, our future, out on summer vacation. We talk about food insecurity at the St. Louis Area Foodbank and think it's important to add some data to our discussions, thanks to Feeding America and their annual "Map the Meal Gap" study to shed light on the real needs of families across the bi-state region, and our country. We need to do better as a region - and we need your help. To be a part of the solution and become a hunger hero to a child in need, please visit: https://stlfoodbank.org https://lnkd.in/gb8ceUzJ

I lead the Vermont Foodbank. Vermont is the best place to work, play, and raise a family. It’s also affected by food insecurity, with more than 75,000 people not having access to enough food for an active, healthy life. These are just some of the eye-opening facts released this morning as part of Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap Study—an annual, comprehensive view of how food insecurity varies across the U.S. As the only national study to provide county-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs, this study is a powerful tool for all of us to use to better understand hunger in our communities. It shows that food insecurity exists in every county, parish and congressional district in this nation, but it isn’t experienced equally. Food insecurity levels vary across regions, influenced by factors like unemployment and poverty rates as well as policies and practices rooted in history that continue to hold people back today.   Eight out of 10 counties with the highest rate of food insecurity are in the South. Rural counties disproportionately experience high levels of food insecurity compared to urban areas. And racial disparities persist, with significant variations in food insecurity rates across different racial and ethnic groups and geographic locations.  I encourage you to learn about the impact of hunger in your community. Spark conversations around the systemic factors that drive food insecurity then join the movement to end hunger at FeedingAmerica.org. Help us create a future where we all have access to the food and resources we need to thrive. #EndHunger #Vermont

Chronic INFLATION + HIGH COST OF LIVING + DECREASE IN GOVERNMENT SUPPORT. Texas is now one of the most food-insecure states in the NATION. This isn't new news, but it is urgent and critical. The worry we see on the faces of low-income families when they come to Crossroads is a stark reminder of the imposing effects of inflation and living in a constant state of survival. At a press conference today, North Texas Food Bank revealed that Texas ranked 4th highest for food-insecure residents, and 1 in 3 are children. Schools will be out for the summer in a couple of weeks. Low-income families on free or reduced breakfast/lunch are already thinking about how to feed their children while school is out. With the state turning down federal funding for summer meals, the need for community support is vital. Crossroads and other local agencies need your time, talent, and treasure to continue meeting the demand for food assistance now and in the months ahead. #stabletables #strongfamilies

The prices of quality food in America is ridiculous… As someone that eats Organic & Non-GMO products…it really is expensive…but I have found other creative ways to reduce my food bill by exchanging work on a farm for a reduced food bill and having a solid system for how I eat and what I need nourishment wise… Not everyone can do this…but the fact that millions of people suffer from hunger, expensive food prices, and genetically modified food in America is a problem… I’m a business owner and I’m not naive to how business works and the costs involved in supply, employees, rent, etc… But I really believe that without access to quality food…there are more problems that are created…mental intstability, sickness, a shortened life, and so many other problems that America is creating for itself and for the people that live here… As a longtime coach I’ve always contributed my education and practical experience teaching people about the importance of movement and nourishment…these are just 2 things that I believe are important for a quality life… Everyone should have access to affordable, and quality food…period

Food insecurity impacts 13 million children across the nation. With the cost of food on the rise and kids out of school, more families are relying on local food pantries and programs like SUN Bucks, the newest federal food assistance program. Yet, governors in 12 states—including 4 of the 6 states with the highest rates of food insecurity—have opted out of this crucial summer food benefits program, leaving 9.5 million students without access to this critical aid. Programs designed to alleviate poverty and hunger are commonsense solutions to ensure every child and family has the support they need. Read more in USA TODAY: https://lnkd.in/eJTYfqPK

Working with our feeding network has taught us that while many individuals come to their organizations for food, it is the wrap-around services that truly can change lives. That’s why it’s vital to support the important work of community organizations that address broader issues such as health outcomes, educational attainment and the ability to earn a living wage. Read our recent blog, North Texas Food Bank and Partners: Fighting Food Insecurity in our Communities, at https://lnkd.in/g3yh-TXx.

According to the USDA report on food insecurity published last week, 12.8% or 17 million U.S. households were food insecure in 2022. This is a significant increase of 3.5 million households or 10 million individuals from the previous year, and means that food insecurity is now at its highest since 2014. Families are running out of money before they can purchase the food they need, are unable to afford nutritious meals, and are having to reduce the amount they and their children eat to try and make it to their next paychecks. Harvesters--The Community Food Network is here to support those who are experiencing the stress and hunger that come along with food insecurity, and to advocate for change to address the root causes of hunger in our community.

As we enter the holiday season, we encounter endless images of celebratory feasts, sometimes directly alongside requests for donations to local food drives—a reminder of the harsh realities of hunger and food insecurity. A new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that 44.2 million people lived in households that had difficulty feeding their families in 2022 – a 30% increase from the previous year. These findings reflect the reverse of a decade-long decline in hunger and food insecurity. With the rise of food prices, housing costs, and the loss of programs from the pandemic-era to help feed families, these numbers will likely continue to increase. Read more in this article from NPR: https://lnkd.in/g2vsq5PS #hunger #foodinsecurity #holiday

Pennsylvania is home to more than 1.5 million people—including over 436,000 children—who do not have access to enough food to lead an active, healthy life. These are just some of the eye-opening facts released today as part of Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap Study—an annual, comprehensive view of how food insecurity varies across the U.S. As the only national study to provide county-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs, this study is a powerful tool for all of us to use to better understand hunger in our communities. It shows that food insecurity exists in every county, parish and congressional district in this nation, but it isn’t experienced equally. Food insecurity levels vary across regions, influenced by factors like unemployment and poverty rates as well as policies and practices rooted in history that continue to hold people back today. Eight out of 10 counties with the highest rate of food insecurity are in the South. Rural counties disproportionately experience high levels of food insecurity compared to urban areas. And racial disparities persist, with significant variations in food insecurity rates across different racial and ethnic groups and geographic locations. We encourage you to learn about the impact of hunger in your community. Spark conversations around the systemic factors that drive food insecurity then join the movement to end hunger by visiting feedingpa.org. Help us create a future where we all have access to the food and resources we need to thrive. Learn more about hunger in PA by visiting bit.ly/Hunger-in-PA. Access the Map the Meal Gap Study by visiting map.feedingamerica.org.

I was born in Cabell Co, WV. It’s a wonderful area with such a strong, resilient community; It’s also affected by food insecurity, with more than 14,000 people—including 3,720 children—not having access to enough food for an active, healthy life. These are just some of the eye-opening facts released today, as part of Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap Study—an annual, comprehensive view of how food insecurity varies across the U.S. As the only national study to provide county-level estimates of food insecurity and food costs, this study is a powerful tool for all of us to use to better understand hunger in our communities. It shows that food insecurity exists in every county, parish and congressional district in this nation, but it isn’t experienced equally. Food insecurity levels vary across regions, influenced by factors like unemployment and poverty rates as well as policies and practices rooted in history that continue to hold people back today. Eight out of 10 counties with the highest rate of food insecurity are in the South. Rural counties disproportionately experience high levels of food insecurity compared to urban areas. And racial disparities persist, with significant variations in food insecurity rates across different racial and ethnic groups and geographic locations. I encourage you to learn about the impact of hunger in your community. Spark conversations around the systemic factors that drive food insecurity then join the movement to end hunger. Help us create a future where we all have access to the food and resources we need to thrive. #EndHunger Visit: map.feedingamerica.org to learn how hunger exists in your community.