The Shocking Reality of Food Insecurity in America
No family should have to go hungry, but unfortunately, food insecurity is a reality for millions of American families. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 14.3 percent of American households were food insecure at some point during 2018, meaning they didn’t have reliable access to enough food for all family members. And while that number has gone down since 2011, when the USDA first started measuring food insecurity, it’s still far too high.
There are many reasons why families may struggle to put food on the table. Some may not have enough income to cover the cost of food, or they may not have transportation to get to a grocery store. Others may not have the cooking skills or knowledge to prepare healthy meals. Whatever the reason, no family should have to go without food.
There are many programs and resources available to help families in need. The USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides assistance to low-income families to help them buy food. There are also food pantries and soup kitchens that can provide families with meals. And many churches and community organizations offer programs to help families in need.
If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many people and organizations who want to help.