According to the Feeding America Organization food insecurity is defined as “a household’s inability to provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life.” Food insecurity can result in serious health complications and the inability to learn and develop. This year alone estimates show that about 54 million individuals specifically 18 million children will experience food insecurity. The real question is – how is the US responding to this persisting issue?
People Are Speaking Up –
- On September 2, 2020 students and faculty members from Bucknell University protested about food insecurity. This was a response to the university increasing their meal plan prices.
- Brenda Ann Kelly (an american documentary photographer) – brought attention to people from New York to California who are having a hard time feeding their families. Her photographs give a chilling reality of the problem the U.S. is currently facing.
- “A Place at the Table” is a documentary that examines hunger in America.
Legislative Response –
- On March 18, 2020, the Family First Coronavirus Response Act was passed. This will result in about $1 billion in nutrition assistance.
- On July 30, 2020, Congressman Bobby Scott introduced the Pandemic Child Hunger Act. Addressed the need for universal school meals.
- In April 2020, Sen. Kamala Harris and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Closing the Meal Act Gap of 2020.
While these actions help bring attention to food insecurity there’s more work to be done. Food insecurity is directly related to the United States poverty and unemployment rates. And especially during the Coronavirus pandemic many families will experience food insecurity. Hopefully, other bills will be introduced and passed to help mitigate this issue.
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