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Facts: 1·6 billion or more people lack adequate housing, and experience food insecurity globally
FACTS: There are an estimated 1.6 billion or more people who lack adequate housing and experience food insecurity globally, according to social scientists around the world. This staggering number reflects those who cycle in and out of homelessness, many of whom also lack access to a sustainable food support system. The issues leading to homelessness and food insecurity are very complex and often interrelated. Key factors include family violence, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and a breakdown in service delivery by social and health institutions. In this context, initiatives like mobile feeding ministries play a crucial role in enhancing nutrition security for those in need.
The health and human development of the homeless population are severely impacted, with an average life expectancy roughly 30 years shorter than that of those with stable housing. Additionally, individuals who remain homeless face a 45% risk of suicide, and between 9% to 29% have attempted suicide.
Among those most affected are African-Americans, Veterans, and Hispanic-Americans. Engaging in volunteer opportunities can make a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable populations.
821 million food-insecure individuals world-wide
The number of food-insecure individuals worldwide is estimated to exceed 821 million, a situation exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This equates to roughly one out of every nine people facing food insecurity. Factors contributing to this crisis include constrained financial resources, poverty, decaying urban areas, environmental changes, global trade markets, and agricultural conditions.
In many poor neighborhoods, the lack of sufficient food resources forces individuals to search in waste bins, trash cans, and dumpsters for food. Poverty remains a primary cause of food insecurity in the United States. According to the United States Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. wastes approximately 31% of food, amounting to 133 billion pounds and an astonishing value of $162 billion a year.
Food insecurity has always been a significant issue. Before the COVID-19 crisis, over 37 million people, including more than 11 million children, lived in food-insecure households, as highlighted in a recent research study. Prior to the Covid pandemic, some of the lowest food insecurity rates nationwide were evident. However, post-Covid, the current crisis has reversed those milestones of the past decade. High unemployment, inflation, and global economic uncertainty have led to increased demand at local food banks and pantries across the country, which often rely on volunteer opportunities to serve the community.
Areas with higher rates of food insecurity before COVID-19 continue to experience even greater challenges. Achieving sustainable solutions to food insecurity is complicated, partly due to underlying causes such as poverty, unemployment or under-employment, and inconsistent access to healthy food. Addressing these root causes is essential for improving nutrition security, as they are often deeply interconnected.
In a country as wealthy per capita as the U. S. we can and must do better.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made significant strides with new public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Increased screening for COVID-19 in the homeless population nationally, efforts to reduce overcrowding in shelters, and the ordering of more PCR tests were vital steps. The CDC also expanded access to basic services; however, much more remains to be done, particularly as food insecurity was not addressed as part of this policy by the CDC.
Feed My People Mobile Food Pantry is dedicated to building nutrition security through our mobile feeding ministry. We strive to ensure that underserved populations in Virginia have consistent access to safe, healthy, and affordable foods essential for optimal health and well-being. Our focus is on providing quality, dietary, and nutritious meals that can help reduce diet-related diseases such as diabetes. By doing so, we are helping to fill the gap in nutrition equity and tackle long-standing health disparities in underserved communities. Additionally, we offer various volunteer opportunities to engage community members in our mission.
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