Samir Quraeshi’s Post

October 16 marks World Food Day recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and this year's theme "Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future" reflects on the ongoing efforts to ensure everyone has access to nourishment. In Northumberland County, many families, seniors, and children face the harsh reality of not knowing where their next meal will come from. As winter nears, some are forced to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries, while others grapple with the shame of relying on local food banks to feed their families. We believe that tackling hunger starts close to home, and your support can help fund food security programs like Northumberland Eats 2.0, which provides microgrants to grassroots agencies operating as food banks and hubs. These efforts directly combat food insecurity by reinforcing the safety nets that so many in our community depend on daily. Please help us continue to create programs and fund organizations working to feed our community. https://lnkd.in/gqPnsjN2 #worldfoodday #unitedway #unitedwaynorthumberland #northumberlandeats #communitymatters

Post-grad news: I'm happy to share that I'll be starting as Mid-Ohio Food Collective's Communications Coordinator next week! I'm eager to support MOFC's mission of combatting hunger in Franklin County and beyond through their food banks, farm, 'farmacy,' kitchen and markets. The USDA's Economic Research Service reported that food insecurity in the U.S. rose from 12.8% (17 million) in 2022 to 13.5% (18 million) in 2023. Comparatively, in 2020 and 2021, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity was recorded at 10.5% (13.8 million) and 10.2% (13.5 million) respectively. The topic of food insecurity in America is more prevalent than ever, so I encourage you to volunteer with MOFC or your local food bank, especially during this holiday season. Source: https://lnkd.in/gcCNW3JX

In 2023, County Executive Steuart Pittman created the Anne Arundel County Food Council by executive order. Hosted by the Partnership for Children, Youth and Families and facilitated by Due East, the Food Council came together to address the root causes of food insecurity. Due East played a pivotal role in bringing together a diverse group of local food providers, producers, and distributors, fostering a collective vision and shared plan to ensure everyone has equitable access to affordable, healthy food. 🍎 This strategic plan combines safety-net programs such as food banks and pantries with long-term solutions that aim to strengthen local farming and community gardens. 🧑🌾 The ultimate goal is to ensure that individuals earn enough income to afford healthy food for themselves and their families. #socialimpactleaders #sustainablecommunities #togetherwethrive

If we could all view the dysfunctions of our food systems through this lens, then we may start to make some shifts towards food security sovereignty, and injustice. Food is not only a huge part of our survival and environmental systems, but it also holds power in our political ranks and societal norms. We will not make progress in any of our current initiatives until we can agree that, food is a gift from this earth and that it needs to have its equality defended and held in its most natural form (before modification of any type) just as all people expect. Also because, food plays such a significant role, in all aspects of our entire existence, it needs to be considered in every solution we are trying to currently enact. We just have to see that food equality holds the key to every aspect of equity and justice for all.

🌱 Fighting the Stigma Around Food Insecurity: Sara's Story of Resilience 🌱 Did you know that one in six Americans is affected by food insecurity? At HelloFresh, we are committed to changing this statistic and ensuring fresh food is available and accessible to anyone in need. That's why we created LimeAid, a program designed to help individuals and families experiencing hardship or lack of food security. LimeAid allows neighbors, friends, or family members to nominate loved ones in need for a chance to win six months of free HelloFresh meals. One inspiring recipient of the LimeAid program is Sara Ariss, a Wisconsin native who unexpectedly faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Sara shared her story on GMA3 to discuss the stigma around food insecurity and how her own struggles inspired her to give back to her community. Despite the challenges she faced, Sara innovated the operations of local food pantries to better serve families like hers. Join us in applauding Sara's resilience and ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. To read more about Sara's journey, click here: https://lnkd.in/gV9BpQMR #FoodInsecurity #LimeAid #CommunitySupport #HelloFreshImpact

Local & Regional News Food desert elimination grant combats food insecurity in Arkansas KUAR | By Sophia Nourani / KUAF Published September 17, 2024 at 3:55 PM CDT A new study conducted by the federal department of agriculture, or the USDA, has identified Arkansas as the most food insecure state in the country. With almost 20% of the state lacking resources to feed their household, Arkansas has a significantly higher rate of hunger than the national average of 12%. There is a food desert in every county in Arkansas. What’s a food desert? According to the USDA, it’s a term used to describe a region with a large number of households facing low incomes, inadequate access to transportation and a limited number of food retailers providing fresh, affordable produce. In a rural state like Arkansas, these types of areas are common to find. And while residents may be growing food in these farming-driven communities, CEO of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance’s Sylvia Blain said the food isn’t for the farmers. https://lnkd.in/gMNqVd8q

Today on World Hunger Day, we are reflecting on the 1.6 million North Carolina households who don’t have enough to eat. Farmer Foodshare exists to change that number. We work to ensure everyone in North Carolina has healthy, delicious food to eat, not just today, but every day. In the heart of such a bountiful growing region and robust local food system, it is inexcusable that our neighbors lack access to healthy meals. We envision a Triangle-area community where fresh, local food is available to all, regardless of income level. You can help! Your support today means we can continue expanding our hunger relief and food justice programs all year. And since we always source from local farmers, you’re also contributing to the resiliency of our Triangle-area foodshed – a win-win for food security! Make a gift now through the link below: https://lnkd.in/eFHVnH9Q We look forward to a time when our society and economy is more just and equitable, but until then, we will continue making sure eaters of all income levels can share in the local harvest. . . . . . . . . #farmerfoodshare #farmerfoodshareprograms #hungerrelief #foodshed #foodaccess #foodsecurity #northcarolina #foodhub #sproutnewgrowth #farmerfoodsharecommunity

Alleviating Hunger: The Role of Organizations in Food Security In this video, we discuss the importance of organizations like Great Plains Food Bank in providing food security and alleviating hunger. Discover how we can improve distribution to meet the needs of those facing food insecurity. #AlleviatingHunger #FoodSecurity #FoodBank #HungerRelief #DistributionProblem #NoOneGoesHungry #CommunitySupport #FoodAssistance #FightHunger #EndingHunger

❗ Don't miss Daniel Wexler's workshop during the The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York's 4th annual Food Summit! 💡 Dan will be hosting an interactive session on Food As Medicine Interventions and #socialdeterminantsofhealth. The session goal is to illustrate how--in addition to income--other social determinants of health pose a barrier to food security; consider the diversity of #FoodisMedicine (FIM) treatment options; and understand the different types of benefits each solution offers, and what interventions might work best for different patients.

Here at Collective Food Works one of our biggest goals is to reduce the amount of people suffering from food insecurity via educational posts and programs. While the amount of people suffering from food insecurity and poverty has stabilized since the end of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, "an estimated 1.2 million (14.6%) New York City residents were food insecure" according to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy annual 2022 Food Metrics Annual Report. Not shockingly, "New York City’s residents make up 50% of all food insecure people living in New York State". The city has been working to help battle food insecurity with a variety of programs such as SNAP, but it has done little to help New Yorkers who are struggling to feed themselves due to rising costs of living. So, what is the solution? Well, outside of inflation, part of the rising cost of food in the city comes from the fact that much of our food comes from great distances. We touched on this in our last post where we shed light on America's growing dependence on imported food. While the concrete scenery of New York City does not make it easy for it's population to produce their own food, GrowNYC is an organization focused on increasing the amount of farmers in the area. If you are interested in joining their Farmer Assistance's Beginning Farmer Program or supporting their cause, be sure to check them out.