Food Research & Action Center’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

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

Inflation has had a huge impact on families living paycheck to paycheck, leading many to turn to food pantries for help — often for the first time. As Axios #RVA, food insecurity is on the rise statewide, including here in Central Virginia. In fact, we’ve seen a 22% increase in demand at our food pantries over the past two years, and are back to pandemic-level requests for food assistance. This means there are more neighbors who have never had to ask for help, while those neighbors we already help continue to face difficult challenges. But that's why we’re here: to help nourish our neighbors in their times of need. We’re proud to serve 34 cities and counties in Central Virginia through our Agency Network and crucial hunger-fighting programs tailored to serve children, families living in food desert areas, homebound seniors and everyone in between. https://lnkd.in/guaCumcj

There are very few things that we can agree on as a society. But one of them is that children should never go hungry. In Kentucky, 1 out of every 6 children lacks consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active lifestyle. Of the households served by Kentucky's food banks with school-aged children, nearly all (94 percent) receive free or reduced-price school lunch through the National School Lunch Program. Sadly, only 1 in 5 Kentucky children who eat free or reduced price lunch during the school year have access to such meals during the summer months when school is out. The Legal Food Frenzy helps our food banks fill the gap in access to food during these critical summer months, to ensure that no child goes hungry. You can help feed the kids! Each dollar you contribute will purchase roughly the equivalent of 4 pounds of food. If you are moved to join in the fight against hunger (and God bless you if you are), you can do so here: https://lnkd.in/eNiEPGHj

I live in Arlington, Virginia. It’s a place that's rich in diversity, food, and greenery. It’s also affected by food insecurity, with more than 23,000 people (nearly 10% of the population) not having access to enough food for an active, healthy life. These are just some of the eye-opening facts released this week as part of Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap Study (https://lnkd.in/ep7JimvB) —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. 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 (https://lnkd.in/enR6y7VC). Help us create a future where we all have access to the food and resources we need to thrive. #EndHunger

As you do your weekend shopping, don't forget to #CheckOutHunger at the register! Adding $5 to your grocery trip can help feed a child or senior for nearly a week! #WeFeedCLE Learn more about our annual #HarvestForHunger campaign here: HarvestForHunger.org

In Missouri 1 in 9 people, and 1 in 8 children, face hunger. September is Hunger Action Month, and we hope you’ll join us to spread awareness and take action to fight hunger! Our Food Security Coalition is a multi-sector team of dedicated advocates who work to ensure that every Missourian, especially children, can access sufficient nutritious food. Together, we’ve identified priority policies that can help address hunger in Missouri that we’ll be focusing on this session: -Reducing or eliminating the sales tax on groceries. -Increasing the use of the federal WIC program in Missouri. -Passing a federal Farm Bill with language that will protect and enhance safety net programs. -Expanding access to free school meals in all Missouri public schools. -Creating tax credits aimed at addressing food deserts, such as for grocery stores, food pantries, or specialty farms. Learn more about the work of the FSC, or get involved, at https://lnkd.in/gJSUHfkr.

We know how much our children enjoy snack time. We gladly prep their grapes, yogurt and quickie mac & cheese. Imagine if your child missed a snack, or worse a meal. What would his or her attitude be like? It could certainly make focusing in school much harder. Roughly 1 in 8 children don’t have enough to eat in the United States—that’s around 9 million kids. Some of these kids may live in your neighborhood or go to school with your child. Despite the severity of this problem, hunger often gets overlooked. This guide from Feeding America will help your family talk about the issue of hunger and ways to address it in your community. #communityactionofnapavalley #CANV #communityactionworks #napa #CommunityAction #napacounty #napavalley #CANVcares #feedingamerica #foodbank #makingadifference #napafoodpantry #freefoodmarkets #foorpantry #foodpantry #americancanyon #foodbankdonations #familyactivityguide https://lnkd.in/eS58vk8y

September is Hunger Action Month! As a proud board member of the North Texas Food Bank, I encourage you to join me in raising awareness about the issue of hunger and to take action. There are several ways you can make an impact in your community. Learn more by reading, "The Last Word: North Texas Food Bank's Trisha Cunningham on How To Make a Difference During Hunger Action Month".