Food Insecurity and Health

     Food insecurity and its negative impacts are common among many individuals, but what is food insecurity? Well, food insecurity is when there is a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Thus, malnutrition can be an unintended consequence of food insecurity; therefore, food insecurity can contribute to the development of several health conditions and chronic diseases, which are detrimental to the health of all individuals. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, around 10.2% of American households were food insecure in 2021, and nearly 6.2% of households with children were food insecure. Again, families who face food insecurity lack access to healthy foods and meals, which can cause many problems. Children who lack access to quality, healthy food experience difficulty learning and behavioral problems. Moreover, adults who lack access to healthy food experience mental health issues and chronic diseases, like diabetes. Additionally, the U.S. Secretary of Defense found that around 15.4% of all active-duty personnel would be classified by the USDA as having low security in 2018, and another 10.4% would be classified as having very low food security. Issues regarding social determinants, such as poverty, unemployment, and racial disparities, impact access to healthful foods, thus acting as driving forces for individuals to choose cheaper, calorie-dense foods that do not deliver all the required nutrients. 

    There are a number of resources that can help those who suffer from food insecurity in the United States: 

· Food Banks: Provides groceries and meals to individuals who need them. These food banks are often community-run. 

· School Breakfast Program: Offers low-cost or free breakfasts for eligible children. 

· National School Lunch Program: Provides low-cost or free lunches for eligible children. 

· Meals on Wheels: Focused on individuals with decreased mobility and those who are 60 years of age and older. These participants receive free or low-cost meals, which may be served at senior centers or in their homes. 

· Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Assists in serving pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women at nutritional risk. Additionally, infants and children up until the age of five who are at nutritional risk are also served. 

· Summer Food Service Program: Provides free lunches for school-age children and teens in low-income areas during the summer. 

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

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/planning/food-security-and-sustainability/food-insecurity-and-health