Food Insecurity

Food insecurity consists of someone having a lack of access to food, or even someone who gets enough calories but does not get the proper quality and variety of food. In the United States, about 12 percent of American households are food insecure, and about 16 percent of households with children are food insecure. Poverty and unemployment are key factors that have led to food insecurity in America. This is an issue because food insecurity has many consequences, such as learning and behavioral issues in children, along with mental health issues and chronic diseases in adults. The following programs are resources that can help with food insecurity:

National School Lunch Program: low-cost or free lunches to eligible children.

School Breakfast Program: low-cost or free breakfasts to eligible children.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): supplemental food and nutrition education for low-income pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5.

Summer Food Service Program: free lunches for school-age children in low-income areas during summer months and when school is not in session.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): nutrition assistance for low-income individuals and families.

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/weight-loss/overweight-and-obesity/the-hungry-and-overweight-paradox