Food Authenticity Network’s Post

Food Insecurity: A Local Challenge Today, on July 19th, let's take a moment to recognize and address the pressing issue of food insecurity. Millions of people around the world struggle to access enough nutritious food to lead healthy lives. This problem affects not just individuals, but entire communities and future generations. Unfortunately this is true here in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Key Facts: 1 in 9 people globally do not have enough to eat. Food insecurity impacts physical health, mental well-being, and economic stability. Children are particularly vulnerable, facing long-term developmental issues without proper nutrition. How You Can Help Donate: https://lnkd.in/eSdwmtBR Volunteer: https://lnkd.in/ew6r-ctb Raise Awareness: Share information about food insecurity to help educate others. Advocate: Support policies and programs that address the root causes of food insecurity. Together, we can make a difference. No one should have to go to bed hungry.

**Hunger doesn't care about your zip code.** With the rising cost of living and inflation affecting everyone, food insecurity has become a critical issue, particularly for the 1.9 million adults and children in Massachusetts who represent 1 in 3 households. The increasing prices of essential goods have made it significantly harder for families to afford nutritious food, pushing many to seek help from food agencies and community resources. As one of the four food banks in Massachusetts, Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc. partners with over 100 food agencies across 33 communities. Together, we are working tirelessly to provide emergency food assistance to those in need. However, the demand for healthy food continues to stretch our resources. To ensure that everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive, we need your help. 💪 Here’s what you can do: *Donate to Merrimack Valley Food Bank and help feed 80,000 each month *Host a food drive with family, friends, or your company. *Volunteer your time. *Raise Awareness about the growing need and encourage others to get involved. No amount is too small to address this urgent issue and make a tangible difference in our communities. Donate today to https://mvfb.org #MVFB #FoodInsecurity #FightHunger

This is an interesting read, and shows the multiple levers that need to be used to improve food insecurity at the household level. We need government policies to ensure households have sufficient income, improved access to nutritious food, increased dignity through choice offered through food hubs (e.g. pantries), and colocation of services (statutory and non-statutory) to improve efficiency and impact of council and charitable/voluntary services. The association between food insecurity and adult/child safeguarding is clear (see report from Newcastle City Council) and health and wellbeing Feeding Britain. Adopting a strategic approach that supports a system wide change at the national and local level that accommodates colocation of services to build relational capital with clients/ customers is essential.

💡 What’s the difference between a food bank and a food pantry? 🍊 A food bank is a nonprofit that collects and stores donated food from neighbors, grocery stores and restaurants. They distribute this food to local programs, like food pantries, with the help of drivers. All food banks share the same mission: to end food insecurity. 🏫 A food pantry is where families can get food directly. Supplied by food banks, pantries help hundreds of people each week and are often found in schools or mobile units to reach those who may struggle with transportation. In Orange County, Second Harvest is one of two food banks while there are hundreds of food pantries. 🍽️ Together, food banks and pantries helped provide over 21 million meals to nearly 110,000 children last year! (Feeding America) #WeFeedOC #SecondHarvestOC #FoodBank #FoodPantry

Food Insecurity Across the United States Think about donating money to help with Food Insecurity. Food insecurity affects every community in the U.S. Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study is a powerful tool to understand local impact and take action. We can leverage this data to address factors impacting food insecurity and unite to ensure everyone has access to the food and resources we all need to thrive. Some key findings from our most recent study include: Food insecurity impacts communities in every county, parish, and congressional district in the U.S. Child food insecurity rates can reach almost 50% in some counties. Eight out of 10 high food insecurity counties are in the South, indicating regional disparities. Rural counties disproportionately experience high levels of food insecurity compared to urban areas. Facebook Link YouTube LinkedIn Copyright © 2024 River Bend Food Bank, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: River Bend Food Bank 4010 Kimmel Dr Davenport, IA 52802-2404

California is stepping up to address food insecurity this holiday season, with organizations across the state making significant strides to support those in need. Despite being a top producer of fruits and vegetables, approximately 8.8 million Californians, including children, seniors, and veterans, face uncertainty about their next meal. Thanks to local food banks and community efforts, hope is being served across the state. In Sacramento County, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services distributes over 3.25 million pounds of food each month, helping more than 305,000 individuals. Meanwhile, in San Joaquin County, the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin provided for over 854,000 people in 2023, with even greater outreach expected this year. Yolo County’s Yolo Food Bank supports over 22,000 households monthly, while Feeding the Foothills is making a difference across El Dorado, Nevada, and Placer counties by collaborating with Feeding America. The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano delivers 2.7 million meals annually, while the Second Harvest of the Greater Valley reaches an eight-county region, assisting 35,000 individuals every month. In Yuba and Sutter Counties, the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank ensures regular food distributions focused on nutrition. Every $5 donation can provide up to 15 meals, showcasing how small contributions create meaningful change. As the season of giving continues, communities are uniting to ensure everyone can celebrate with a full plate and a hopeful heart. Original author: Staff (ABC10). Great News Summary made with help from ChatGPT. https://lnkd.in/gQ5j_PDN

Happy Halloween from Feeding Louisiana! 🎃 While ghosts and goblins are spooky, the real fright comes from these 10 scary facts about food insecurity: 1. Food insecurity is increasing 2. Louisiana has the 4th highest rate of food insecurity in the nation 3. People in every community (including yours) experience food insecurity 4. Food insecurity affects about 47.4 million people in the United States 5. Food insecurity affects nearly one quarter of U.S. children 6. 841,000 U.S. children experienced very low food security 7. Food insecurity affects non-white households disproportionately 8. Southern states experience food insecurity at a higher rate than the rest of the country 9. Rural parishes have higher rates of food insecurity than urban parishes 10. Food insecurity is associated with increased risk of multiple chronic health conditions. Consider donating or getting involved to help your neighbors in need. 💛 #HappyHalloween #foodinsecurity #HalloweenTreats #FightHunger #FeedingLouisiana #GiveBack #SweetGiving #HungerFreeLouisiana #FoodBanks #FoodDrive #Donate

Simple but lifesaving advice 👇 👇 👇

Today is #HumanRightsDay. Here at Food Banks Mississauga, we agree with the UN’s 1948 Universal Declaration that food is part of the human right to an adequate standard of living. We believe everyone deserves access to healthful food and necessities to live a full life, regardless of any aspect of their identity. In light of the recent declaration of a food insecurity emergency by the city of Mississauga, we have received questions around the criteria for who is allowed to use a food bank and how we prevent “misuse”. Our belief that food is a human right is the lens through which we operate and provide food to those seeking support. We appreciate the generosity of our donors and are committed to stewarding every dollar with transparency and integrity to ensure every donation is used as intended to support our mission to realize a food-secure Mississauga. Read more about food bank misconceptions and our stance on providing food support over on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gak8hQEW #FoodIsAHumanRight

Facing the choice between essentials like milk or electricity, eggs or medications, and even poultry or housing shouldn't be a reality for anyone. Yet, for 1 in 3 of our neighbors facing food insecurity across Massachusetts, these are some of the tough decisions they have to make daily. Thank you to Esha Walia and Boston Globe Media for their recent article highlighting how grocery prices have surged 25% since 2019, forcing twice as many families to seek food assistance compared to pre-pandemic levels and making affording nutritious food more difficult than ever. That’s why GBFB exists. We are here to help and fuel the charitable food system that is responding to this chronic surge in food assistance need. With our purchasing power, we acquire and distribute healthy free food to our neighbors facing food insecurity through a robust network of 600 community partners. That means for every $1 you donate, 2 meals will be provided to a neighbor in need across the 190 cities and towns we serve. Together, we have the power to put healthy meals on our neighbors' tables and end hunger here. Check out The Boston Globe article mentioned to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dGYTWGFc