The Holiday Meal Many Won’t Enjoy
A feast like this is one that many of us look forward to, but is out of the reach of far too many.
There is always a holiday just around the corner—be it Christmas, Easter or Mother’s Day. As we plan for the coming feasts, we would like to believe that our food supply is safe, and that food insecurity is something only third-world and overpopulated countries need to be concerned about. The pandemic should have served as a wake-up call showing us just how thin the tightrope is that our food security balances upon. Even without the pandemic supply chain issues, in 2023, 13.5% of U.S. citizens struggled to keep food on their tables.
MULTIPLE STRESSORS CAST SHADOWS OVER FOOD ACCESS
Poverty
Unemployment, underemployment, and rising food prices put adequate nutritious food out of the reach of more people. Small communities have fewer opportunities for good pay and limited access to stores where healthy food is more affordable.
We currently have enough food and government programs so that no one should go hungry. The problem is getting that help to those that need it. According to the School Nutrition Association, 20% of American children lack adequate food. Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry is a national campaign working to bridge the gap between hungry families and government programs. As of the 2023-2024 school year, all but thirteen states have either passed or introduced bills to provide free school meals. (Back to School 2024 Food Research & Action Center, 2024)
The homeless face unique difficulties. While we tend to picture the homeless as isolated singles, 37% of the population are families. The National Alliance to End Homelessness's State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition reports a 12% increase in homelessness from 2022 (post-pandemic) to 2023.
Elderly and poor enjoying holiday dinner served by volunteers.
Housing Costs
Housing is in short supply, driving the costs beyond many Americans' reach. Meanwhile, rents escalate in line with the cost of traditional homes. Each increase results in a like decrease in the family food budget.
Chronic Health Conditions and Aging
As of 2022, the National Council on Aging reported that one in four adults 65+ had to cut back on food, utilities, and medication due to health care costs, and 37% were worried they would not be able to afford health care in 2023. Money once reserved for food now pays for health care. It's a vicious circle: Mediocre quality food increases health risks and expense.
Discrimination
Marginalized populations face discrimination that can affect their ability to get or keep gainful employment. Limited housing options can force them into undesirable neighborhoods with little to offer in the way of affordable food or transportation.
There are programs available to help with the above issues, although they can be difficult to navigate. The next couple of issues are more complex and don't come with easy answers.
So, as we prepare to enjoy our feast, let’s not forget those that experience hunger and loneliness all year through.