Many American families are struggling with food insecurity, but thankfully, multiple organizations are being created to combat this problem.
Food insecurity is a situation that affects many people and is defined as a lack of food sufficiency, having unmet food needs, or often having to use a food pantry.
A study by the United States Department of Agriculture found that 99 percent of households with very low food security are worried that they will run out of food before their next paycheck, and 97 percent could not get their food to last and weren’t able to afford more.
What results in happening is that parents end up buying more unhealthy junk foods for their children, which creates a greater risk for them becoming overweight or obese. Healthier foods and ingredients are more expensive, and many people cannot buy them.
An interpretation of this situation by Molly Martin and Adam Lippert says that “Food insecure mothers skip meals, wait to eat until later in the day, or eat less to spare their children from hunger and nutritional deprivation.”
Food Insecurity does not only affect people’s bodies, but also their mental awareness.
“There is generally anxiety and stress expressed by the patients I work with who have trouble providing enough food for themselves and their families. For youth, not meeting nutritional needs can lead to growth and brain development issues as well,” said Johannah Schrader, Director of Nutrition and Food Services for the Hiawatha Community Hospital.
Many groups have been formed to counteract food insecurity in their community. Food pantries are often used, and many have been formed at colleges to help out students who cannot afford to eat daily.
One such program is the BackPack Program, where local food banks fill up bags of food to help kids who depend on school meals not go hungry over the weekend.
In Hiawatha Elementary, 97 students take part in the BackPack Buddy program from the 234 that qualify for it. Over 53 percent of the 437 students qualify for this program.
“Some students don’t like to take it home because they don’t want anyone to find out they use it. Many times, they are too proud to ask for help, especially when it comes to food,” said Shelby Smith, counselor for Hiawatha Elementary.
Whether or not someone is willing to ask for help, being nutritiously balanced in one’s diet is important. There are many local food banks around the country where people can receive help and support for themselves and their families.
Kristopher K. Online 
