GivingMatters.com - Food Security
The Issue
The ranks of Tennesseans turning to food banks and nutrition programs to get enough to eat continue to grow. With the current economic climate and a coinciding increase in food prices, families are at greater risk of food insecurity, meaning they do not have access to food or live in hunger.
The number of Tennessee households on food stamps, an indicator of people struggling to afford a basic diet, grew by 9.5% between January and October 2008 alone. Additionally, many neighborhoods in Middle Tennessee lack access to nutritious foods and fresh produce and to food that is culturally appropriate.
The Facts
- In 2008, requests for food assistance increased by 10% in August,
13% in September and 21% in October (Second Harvest Food Bank).
- The price of nearly every agricultural commodity sharply increased
in the past two years (International Food Policy Research Institute),
and the USDA forecasts food prices will increase 3.5% to 4.5% in
2009.
- The buying power of food stamps has decreased 7% (Second Harvest
Food Bank).
- Rural Middle Tennessee counties report demands for food assistance
are up by 50% to 60% (Second Harvest Food Bank).
- In 2005, 42% of those receiving assistance in Middle Tennessee
said they had to choose between buying food and paying their rent
or mortgage, and 29% said they had to choose between food and
medicine or medical care.
The Faces
Jill supported herself comfortably until chronic illness caused her to lose her job and, ironically, her medical insurance. After exhausting her savings and retirement accounts and losing her home, an embarrassed and tearful Jill walked into a Middle Tennessee food pantry. With food assistance and referrals to other agencies, Jill was able to get back on her feet. She later told the pantry staff they had been a saving grace during dark days.
How You Can Help
- Give to local food pantries or provide food gift certificates.
- Support summer meal programs for children.
- Support meals on wheels for an older adult or disabled person.
- Support community gardens and farming alliances.
- Provide large food freezers to store donated food.
- Make a gift to The Fund for Food Security at The Community Foundation.
- Become involved in hunger-relief and food security advocacy efforts.
Return
to GivingMatters.com to learn about nonprofits addressing this issue.
