According to the latest statistics found on the Feeding America website, there are over 1,500,000 people who identify as “food insecure” in Pennsylvania. Children account for 437,340 of that statistic.
So what does the term “food insecure” actually mean?
Food insecurity refers to USDA’s measure of lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.
This might refer to the time that you waited to fill a prescription because you needed money to buy groceries, or the electric bill that was paid a few days later in hopes to stretch your latest paycheck to include dinner.
We all agree that providing basic necessities for our children is important, but you may not be sure where to start to play a part in helping our children find balanced nutrition. You can volunteer at your local food bank, donate food, host a virtual food drive, and donate money.
What can you do if you find yourself in the same situation as the 1,500,000 Pennsylvanians who identify as “food insecure’?
- Find your local food pantry for immediate assistance.
- Apply for S.N.A.P. (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to receive assistance and resources monthly.
- If you have children under the age of 5 or are pregnant, contact your local WIC office.
Together we can all reach out to our local congress person to add our voices to the many that support measures that help every Pennsylvanian receive the food they need!