Food Insecurity and Its Impacts

Introduction

• Food Insecurity in America:
  • 42 million Americans are food insecure (1 in 8 people).
  • Lack consistent access to enough nutritious food for a healthy, active life.

Challenges Faced by Food Insecure Families

• Forced to choose between essentials such as meals and medicine, or rent and food.
• Struggle to keep utilities on while maintaining a healthy diet.
• Support from federal programs, family, or community organizations is often insufficient.

Health Impacts

• Diet-Related Diseases:
  • Higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity.
  • Over half of households using Feeding America food banks have a member with high blood pressure.
  • One-third have a member with diabetes.
• Coping Strategies:
  • Families adopt short-term strategies to avoid hunger.
  • These strategies increase long-term risk for diet-related diseases.
• Cycle of Poor Health:
  • Starts with the inability to afford nutritious food.
  • Leads to financial stress, poor disease management, and further financial strain.

Impact on Future Generations

• Children and Hunger:
  • 13 million children lack regular access to nutritious food in the U.S.
  • Risk of poor health and academic struggles.
  • Potential lifelong negative implications preventing children from reaching their full potential.

Call to Action

• Breaking the Cycle:
  • Aim to build healthy, strong communities.
  • Encourage involvement with Feeding America and its network.
• Ways to Help:
  • Advocate for change.
  • Volunteer or donate.
  • Learn more at hungerandhealth.org.

Conclusion

• Together, efforts can lead to ending hunger and improving community health.